Commemoration of cyclist Miguel Masaisai

Following the death of 23-year-old cyclist Miguel Masaisai on September 18, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has held official ceremonies to honor his contributions to the nation. Masaisai, known for his ‘Pedals for Peace’ initiative which aimed to promote solidarity for victims of violence in eastern DRC, died following a traffic accident while traveling toward Rabat, Morocco.

The Congolese government, through the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the Congolese Cycling Federation (FECOCY), organized a national tribute including a wake at Tata Raphaël stadium and ceremonies at Cinquantenaire Hospital. During the services, Minister Didier Budimbu represented President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, describing Masaisai as a ‘peace ambassador’ who used non-violent means to raise awareness of regional violence.

In the wake of the funeral, the Nande community has proposed that the government officially designate Goma, in North Kivu, as the national capital of cycling as a tribute to his legacy. While Masaisai used long-distance cycling to advocate for national unity, the city of Goma continues to face security challenges from the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) armed movement.