Miguel Masaisai: CNJ to continue Pedals for Peace

The Congolese National Youth Council will support the continuation of Miguel Masaisai’s Pedals for Peace project after the cyclist’s death. CNJ president Claude Mbuyi made the commitment in Kinshasa on September 26 during a memorial vigil held at the council’s headquarters.

Masaisai died on September 18 in a road accident at Kabos, near Ouesso in northern Republic of the Congo, about nine kilometres from Ntam on the Cameroon border. He had been travelling by bicycle towards Cameroon and was due to continue to Morocco, the planned destination of an initiative launched in Goma. The journey was intended to connect the eastern Congolese city with Rabat through several African countries while promoting peace and unity.

Mbuyi also urged the Congolese Cycling Federation to create an official event named after Masaisai. He proposed holding it every September so young Congolese could continue advancing the values linked to Pedals for Peace.

The CNJ president said Masaisai’s bicycle, helmet and cycling jersey from the journey would be placed at either the National Museum or the Genocoste Memorial for preservation. The vigil followed three days of remembrance and brought together relatives, youth federation members and officials. Mbuyi also called on young people to maintain dignity and calm during the cyclist’s official funeral proceedings.