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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Culture & Society

‘Pedals for Peace’: Cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï Reaches Kinshasa, Advocates for Eastern Congo

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Congolese cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï arrived in Kinshasa as part of his "Pedals for Peace" initiative, cycling from Goma to Rabat to promote peace in eastern DRC.
  • Masaïsaï shared his message of peace, respect, and unity for African youth, detailing the challenges faced during his journey.
  • He met with youth leaders and civil society members, advocating for peace in eastern Congo and carrying the voices of its residents to national authorities.

Congolese cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï arrived in Kinshasa on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, continuing his "Pedals for Peace" journey. The initiative, which began in Goma on May 1, aims to promote peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and is scheduled to conclude in Rabat, Morocco.

The message I have carried since the first days is one of peace, respect, and unity for African youth.

— Miguel MasaïsaïCongolese cyclist Miguel Masaïsaï explaining the purpose of his 'Pedals for Peace' initiative.

Upon his arrival in the capital, Masaïsaï was met by local cyclists and escorted from Maluku. He was welcomed near N'Djili International Airport by Abraham Lwakabwanga, president of the Kinshasa/Lukunga Urban Cycling Association. Addressing the press, Masaïsaï reiterated his core message: "The message I have carried since the first days is one of peace, respect, and unity for African youth."

Masaïsaï acknowledged the difficulties of his journey, which has spanned multiple provinces and included traversing rainy areas and mountains. "It wasn't easy because we crossed several countries, several provinces. We crossed rainy areas, mountains, and many other difficulties. But we didn't give up because we had one goal: to get here," he stated, expressing his happiness at reaching Kinshasa.

It wasn't easy because we crossed several countries, several provinces. We crossed rainy areas, mountains, and many other difficulties. But we didn't give up because we had one goal: to get here.

— Miguel MasaïsaïMiguel Masaïsaï describing the challenges of his cycling journey across the country.

Later, at the Palais du Peuple, Masaïsaï was received by Claude Mbuyi, president of the National Youth Council, alongside numerous young people and civil society actors. He delivered a strong message of peace, unity, and national cohesion, sharing his observations from his travels across the country. "I left Goma and crossed several provinces of our country. I saw a Congo where people unite, where people love each other. And that is our country," he said.

I saw a Congo where people unite, where people love each other. And that is our country.

— Miguel MasaïsaïMiguel Masaïsaï sharing his observations about national unity during his travels.

Masaïsaï also highlighted the widespread support for peace in eastern Congo he encountered along his route. He emphasized his commitment to conveying the concerns of eastern Congolese populations to national authorities in Kinshasa, fulfilling a promise to his "brothers and sisters" from the region who desire peace.

I had made a promise to my brothers and sisters in the East of our country that once in Kinshasa, I would carry their voice and say that they need peace there.

— Miguel MasaïsaïMiguel Masaïsaï stating his commitment to advocating for peace in eastern DRC to national authorities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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