09/19/2026
***BREAKING NEWS***
It is with huge sadness we share the news that Miguel “Unstoppable” Masaisai, from Goma in the DRC and the subject of our most recent Africa Rising Cycling Podcast, has been tragically killed on his latest Pedals For Peace ride.
We spoke with Charles-Guy Makongo, President of Goma Cycling Clubs - GCC earlier for a statement. He, and the cycling community, are understandably incredibly upset and grieving at this time:
“Miguel Masaisai was far more than an athlete to us. We first knew him at Goma Cycling Club as a gifted and determined triathlete. Through GCC, we contributed to his development, offering him a structured environment, and supporting him as he represented the club in many competitions - including at the 2019 Sprint Triathlon African Cup in Gisenyi, where he finished sixth among 30 athletes representing 16 countries.
Miguel later reinvented himself as “The Unstoppable Masai,” an endurance cyclist carrying a message of peace.
In 2025, he presented to me his plan for Pedals for Peace: a solo journey of 7,000 km from Goma to Cape Town. He subsequently completed the challenge, using every kilometre to speak against tribalism and violence, draw attention to the suffering of displaced communities in eastern Congo, and inspire young Africans to choose sport, education and hope.
Recently, Miguel embarked on an even greater personal challenge: a planned 14,000km journey from Goma to Rabat, Morocco, through 17 African countries. He had already crossed several countries and received an extraordinary welcome in Kinshasa.
According to the information currently available, Miguel’s bicycle suffered a mechanical failure while he was travelling through northern Congo-Brazzaville towards the Cameroonian border. He accepted a lift in a taxi so that he could reach a place where the bicycle could be repaired and continue his journey. The vehicle, which was carrying the driver, Miguel and two other passengers, was subsequently involved in a fatal road accident near Ntam, at the border between the Republic of the Congo and Cameroon. All four occupants lost their lives. The precise cause of the accident has yet to be established.
Through his extraordinary endurance challenges and powerful social-media presence, Miguel had become a widely recognised and deeply inspiring figure. He showed Congolese youth that someone from Goma could transform hardship into purpose and carry a message of peace far beyond our borders.
The outpouring of grief since last night has been extraordinary, with tributes appearing across social media and throughout the country. I have barely put down my phone, responding to calls, verifying information and speaking with people deeply affected by this tragedy. His family is devastated, and the pain within GCC is immense. Jimmy and other members of the club have been at his parents’ home in Goma since this morning, standing beside the family.
Miguel has left the peloton, but his message, courage and struggle for peace must continue their journey. That is now part of the responsibility he leaves to all of us.”
RIP Unstoppable Masaisai 🙏❤️🇨🇩
The podcast is here if you want to hear his story and please do share to commemorate his life and his mission to bring peace to his country…
https://youtu.be/vlHeuanbF70?si=HuvUMVNvKk0_UuVe
