Honoring a Champion of Peace in Kinshasa, DR Congo
The late Congolese cyclist Miguel Masaisai, who tragically passed away on September 18, 2026, will be commemorated through official ceremonies set to take place on Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22, in Kinshasa. A statement released on social media by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure along with the Congolese Cycling Federation (FECOCY) outlined the details of the memorial events, which will include a wake and a national tribute before his private burial.
The wake is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, from 7 PM until 4 AM at the Saint-Raphaël restaurant located in the Tata Raphaël stadium, as per the program disclosed by the Ministry of Sports. The official memorial and national homage will occur on Thursday, October 22, at the esplanade of the Cinquantenaire hospital, marking the arrival of various authorities, including the President of the Republic, starting in the morning. Following the tribute, the funeral procession is set to commence at noon, leading to the burial at 2 PM, which will be a private affair. A consolation gathering is planned for 4 PM at the restaurant of the Tata Raphaël stadium.
A Tribute to His Commitment to Peace
The Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the FECOCY have expressed their admiration for Miguel Masaisai’s dedication to promoting peace and solidarity, especially towards communities affected by violence in Eastern DR Congo. Masaisai had embarked on a continental journey known as "Pedals for Peace," advocating for harmony throughout Africa while representing the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recognition of his efforts, a posthumous decoration will be awarded in his honor, as stated in the announcement made on October 20 in Kinshasa.
Both institutions have urged sporting movements, youth groups, civil society actors, and the general populace to participate in these moments of reflection in memory of an individual they describe as a "champion of peace."
Masaisai began his journey from Goma in Eastern DR Congo with the aim of reaching Rabat, Morocco, on his bicycle, as part of his mission to spread a message of peace. Unfortunately, his journey was cut short by a tragic road accident in Congo-Brazzaville, near the Cameroon border, which led to his untimely death. Prior to this expedition, he had already completed a significant ride from Goma to Cape Town in South Africa in 2025 and had traveled extensively through various provinces of DR Congo, raising awareness about peace and solidarity, particularly for victims of violence in the eastern regions of the country.
As reported by radiookapi.net.
