GOMA, DR Congo — A humanitarian worker with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been killed in a drone strike in the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as escalating violence raises fears for civilian safety in the conflict-hit region.
Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the victim, French national Karine Buisset, died following the attack early Wednesday morning. At least two other civilians were also killed, though their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Witnesses said drones struck an area near Lake Kivu, hitting a two-storey residential building known to house expatriates and aid workers.
In a post on X, Macron offered condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues and called for respect for international humanitarian law.
UN condemns attack
The head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Bruno Lemarquis, strongly condemned the incident.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the use of weapons, including armed drones that endanger civilian populations and United Nations personnel,” Lemarquis said.
UNICEF described Buisset as a dedicated humanitarian who had worked extensively to support children and families affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
“We are devastated and outraged by her death,” the agency said in a statement.
Conflict intensifies in eastern Congo
The attack comes amid renewed tensions in eastern Congo, where the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) has controlled Goma — the capital of North Kivu — since early last year.
Since 2021, the group has captured significant territory in the mineral-rich region, with several ceasefire agreements collapsing soon after being brokered.
Security analysts say the recent strikes signal growing military pressure around the strategic city.
According to the conflict monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), recent attacks represent the most serious threat to Goma since the city fell to rebel forces.
Disputed responsibility for the attack
Responsibility for the drone strike remains disputed.
The M23 rebels blamed the Congolese government, calling the attack a deliberate assault on a densely populated urban area.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, described the strike as a “terrorist act”.
However, the Congolese army has denied involvement.
Military sources say the government has previously used long-range drones against rebel positions, while M23 forces have also reportedly deployed explosive drones along front lines.
Growing international concern
The strike highlights the increasing use of drone warfare in the conflict, which has displaced millions of people and drawn in regional actors.
Western governments and the UN have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali denies.
In a statement following the attack, the United States Department of State Bureau of African Affairs condemned the incident and called for the protection of humanitarian personnel.
“The drone strike in Goma killed a UN worker and civilians, adding to the tragic loss of life affecting civilians in eastern DR Congo,” the bureau said.
It added that attacks in civilian areas are unacceptable and urged all parties to respect their commitments under international law.
