Congolese cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï, who set off from Goma on May 1 to pedal to Rabat, died on September 18 in a road accident in Congo-Brazzaville, just kilometers from the Cameroonian border.
Congolese sports and the youth of eastern DRC are in mourning. Triathlete and cyclist Miguel Mumbere Masaïsaï, a native of Goma, lost his life in a tragic road accident in northern Congo-Brazzaville while pursuing his continental journey dubbed “Pedals for Peace.”
Tragedy Near the Cameroonian Border
The accident occurred on Friday, September 18, near the village of Kabos, close to Ouesso and just a few kilometers from the border with Cameroon. Following a mechanical issue with his bicycle, the 28-year-old athlete boarded a local taxi to get his equipment repaired. The vehicle crashed into a logging truck, leaving no survivors among the passengers.
Confirmation of his death by the DRC Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Leisure, as well as officials from the North Kivu Cycling League, sparked a wave of emotion across the nation.
Over 6,500 Kilometers Covered Solo
Launched on May 1, 2026, from Goma, the “Pedals for Peace” initiative aimed to reach Rabat, Morocco—a solo journey of approximately 14,000 kilometers across 17 countries, completed without a support vehicle and carrying only a single backpack clad in national colors.
Prior to the accident, Masaïsaï had completed the primary domestic leg of his journey:
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Continental Route: Traversed Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia before re-entering the DRC through Katanga and Kasai.
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Symbolic Stop in Kinshasa: Arrived in the capital on August 5 after 66 days on the road and over 6,500 kilometers pedaled.
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Plea for the East: Welcomed in front of the Palais du Peuple, he delivered a public appeal for the return of peace and stability to eastern Congo.
This marked the second continental undertaking for the Goma-born athlete, who in 2025 successfully completed a similar ride from Goma to Cape Town, South Africa.
A Message of Hope for Eastern Youth
Through “Pedals for Peace,” Miguel Masaïsaï sought to reshape international perceptions of eastern DRC, which are often limited to armed conflict. His goal was to demonstrate that youth in the Kivu region possess the resilience and drive to pursue excellence, peace, and self-transcendence.
Followed daily by tens of thousands of supporters online, the athlete leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated ambassador for peace across Central Africa.