A 23-year-old Congolese cyclist who set out on a 14,000-kilometer journey across Africa to promote peace has died in a road crash in the Republic of Congo, ending an expedition that had taken him thousands of kilometers from his home in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Miguel Mumbere Masaisai, from Goma in North Kivu province, died on Sept. 18 near Ouesso in northern Republic of Congo, according to reports from Congolese media and his management team.
Masaisai had been cycling from Goma to Rabat, Morocco, as part of his “Pedals for Peace” initiative. He began the journey on May 1, hoping to cross 17 African countries while using sport to promote peace, unity and spotlight a different image of his conflict-affected homeland.
His journey had already taken him more than 6,500 kilometers by the time he reached Kinshasa in August.
The cyclist's project was more than a long-distance sporting challenge. In describing the expedition, Masaisai said he wanted to use cycling to send a message of peace and inspire young Africans.
The journey also had a personal connection to the conflict in eastern Congo, where Goma has experienced years of violence and displacement.
Masaisai had already undertaken a similar journey the previous year. In 2025, he cycled from Goma to Cape Town, South Africa, covering roughly 7,000 kilometers through several African countries.
That journey took him through Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa before he reached Cape Town. Reports at the time described him cycling as much as 150 kilometers a day. His second expedition was considerably more ambitious, and had attracted supporters from different parts of the continent who were following his journey.
After leaving Goma on May 1, Masaisai traveled west across the Democratic Republic of Congo. Radio Okapi reported that he arrived in Kinshasa on Aug. 5 after covering more than 6,500 kilometers in 67 days.
He was welcomed in the capital by fellow cyclists and supporters of his peace initiative.
From Kinshasa, he continued toward the Republic of Congo. On Sept. 6, he crossed into Brazzaville, where cyclists welcomed him and he reaffirmed his intention to continue north toward Cameroon before eventually heading toward Morocco.
“The road continues. Rabat, we are coming,” Masaisai said in a message reported by Radio Okapi after reaching Brazzaville. The final part of the journey proved difficult.
On Sept. 14, the Congolese Press Agency reported that Masaisai had reached Oyo after cycling 98 kilometers from Gamboma. He spoke about mechanical problems, intense heat and difficult climbs along the route.
At one point, he reportedly had to push his bicycle for nearly a kilometer after experiencing a mechanical problem in an isolated area where there was no nearby village or immediate assistance.
Four days later, another bicycle problem changed the course of his journey. According to reports from Congolese media, Masaisai took a taxi so that he could get his bicycle repaired. The vehicle was later involved in a road crash near Kabos, close to Ouesso and the border with Cameroon. Masaisai, the taxi driver and two other passengers died.
Initial reports on Sept. 19 said his death had not yet been formally confirmed by his family. A body believed to be his was reportedly being held at a morgue in Ouesso while arrangements were made to establish his identity.
His management team later confirmed his death, according to Congolese reports.
News of his death shocked fellow cyclists and supporters in Goma, where he had become known for combining endurance sport with a message about peace.
His brother, Félix, described the confusion that followed the crash as the family received calls and messages about the accident.
Friends and fellow cyclists later gathered to remember Masaisai and the journeys he had undertaken.
The cycling community in Goma has also discussed continuing the journey he was unable to complete, with supporters proposing that the “Pedals for Peace” mission continue toward Rabat in his memory.
Masaisai's death has also drawn attention to a short but remarkable sporting career.
According to the Congolese Press Agency, he began cycling in 2018 and later participated in international sporting events. His 2025 journey from Goma to Cape Town established his reputation as an endurance cyclist willing to undertake journeys far beyond conventional sporting competitions.
His 2026 expedition took that ambition further. Rather than ending in Cape Town, he set his sights on crossing much of the African continent, carrying a message shaped by the conflict surrounding his home city.
