Budding cyclists participating in the ‘Great African Cycling Safari (GACS)’ have called for more participants to join future editions, aiming to amplify their message of sustainable living across East Africa. The 27 cyclists, representing Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, made the appeal after arriving in Rwanda from Uganda on Friday, September 20. The GACS is an annual cycling tour designed to showcase the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of the East African Community (EAC). This year's edition flagged off from Bujumbura, Burundi, on August 1, with 40 cyclists from EAC member states. Over the course of 57 days and 6,470 kilometers, the riders will traverse Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and return to Burundi, where the grand finale will take place in Bujumbura. The theme for the 2024 tour, Furthering Campaigns to Promote Food Security, Peace, and Climate Mitigation,” highlights the pressing issues the cyclists aim to address throughout their journey. John Balongo, the group’s representative, stressed the importance of expanding the number of participants to extend the reach of the campaign. “We remind people of the goals behind the formation of the East African Community. We want residents of the region to have access to enough food, and this can only be achieved if we also address the effects of climate change,” Balongo said. “These cyclists you see here are making this journey through their own initiative. They use their bicycles without external funding after the journey. If we could find ways to support them along the route, it would enhance the effort. Additionally, increasing the number of participants would ensure that the message reaches a broader audience,” he added. In a show of solidarity, Gisa Teta, the Director General at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, welcomed the cyclists and pledged Rwanda's support for their mission. “We benefit greatly from this journey that you are undertaking, and we are glad you have made it to Rwanda. The energy and commitment you display are admirable, and you have our full support. Next time, if possible, when you return, you can visit other parts of the country, including historical sites,” Teta said. Despite their commitment, the cyclists faced challenges along the way, including being unable to cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo due to ongoing conflicts, which prevented them from crossing the Bunagana border. The cyclists will now proceed to Burundi, where the safari will conclude, having successfully spread their message of food security, peace, and climate action across the region.
