Congolese cyclist Miguel Masaisai, originally from Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), arrived in Kinshasa on Wednesday 5 August 2026, after more than two months of cycling across the country.
As the driving force behind the ‘Pedals for Peace’ project, this young man from Goma is leading an awareness campaign to promote the return of peace to eastern DRC, a region that has been plagued by armed conflict and persistent security instability for several decades.
‘Since 1 May, every turn of the pedals has brought me closer to this moment. I’ve crossed mountains, braved the sun, the rain, fatigue, breakdowns and doubts. But one thing has remained stronger than anything else: the conviction that peace is worth fighting for,” he wrote in a recent post on his Facebook account, where he is documenting his journey.
For Miguel Masaisai, his arrival in Kinshasa is also the result of the support of the many people he has met and those who have backed his initiative throughout the journey. He believes that his journey offers a different perspective on the DRC, looking beyond the security challenges affecting the eastern part of the country in particular.
“We have shown the world a different side to the DRC. After travelling thousands of kilometers, along roads that were sometimes impassable, over mountains, and through moments of exhaustion when many thought it was impossible, I never gave up,” says the cyclist.
A journey marked by difficulties
Miguel Masaisai’s route was not the one originally planned. His itinerary was due to take him through Angola before reaching Kongo-Central. However, a visa issue forced him to alter his route. The cyclist then passed through Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, Likasi, Kamina, Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga and Tshikapa, before continuing on to Kinshasa.
On his arrival in the capital, he was greeted by cyclists and a number of local residents. The convoy headed for the People’s Palace in Maluku, where he intends to continue the activities linked to his initiative. During his journey, Miguel Masaisai says he has benefited from the solidarity of the people he has met along the way. He also wishes to highlight the welcome and support he has received from several Congolese communities that have backed his initiative.
After Kinshasa, his journey is set to continue to Brazzaville, before crossing several countries in Central and West Africa, with Rabat, in Morocco, as his final destination. Miguel Masaisai intends to continue spreading his message: promoting peace and reminding people that Congolese citizens can also contribute, through civic initiatives, to building a different image of their country.
Written by Victoire Katembo Mbuto