A 23-year-old Congolese cyclist, Miguel Masaisai, has died in a road accident while undertaking a cycling journey across Africa aimed at promoting peace.
Masaisai, from Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), began his “Pedals for Peace” journey on May 1, with plans to cover about 14,000 kilometres across 17 African countries from Goma to Rabat, Morocco.
The young cyclist had already travelled more than 6,500 kilometres and reached Kinshasa before continuing his journey into neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville.
How the Accident Happened
According to reports, Masaisai’s bicycle developed a mechanical problem on September 18, forcing him to board a taxi to get the bicycle repaired.
However, the taxi was later involved in a crash with a truck near Ouesso, close to the Congo-Cameroon border.
Masaisai died in the accident alongside the taxi driver and two other passengers.
His death brings an abrupt end to a journey that was intended to use cycling as a way of promoting peace and unity across the continent.
Masaisai Had Cycled to South Africa
The 23-year-old was not new to long-distance cycling.
Before beginning his “Pedals for Peace” expedition, Masaisai had completed a major cycling journey from Goma to Cape Town, South Africa, in 2025.
His latest expedition was intended to take him through 17 African countries before reaching Rabat, Morocco.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be investigated as tributes continue to emerge for the young cyclist whose journey ended thousands of kilometres from his planned destination.
