A drone strike in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has killed a French aid worker and at least two others. The
A drone strike in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has killed a French aid worker and at least two others.
The victim was identified as Karine Buisset, a dedicated child protection specialist for UNICEF.
The attack hit a residential building in the upscale Himbi neighbourhood, located near the residence of former President Joseph Kabila, in a city currently under the control of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
The M23 rebel group immediately blamed the Congolese government for the strike, describing it as a “terrorist act” targeting civilians and international personnel.
While the Congolese army has previously used drones against rebel positions, it has not yet officially commented on or confirmed involvement in this specific incident.
Witnesses reported hearing the distinct sound of a drone followed by an explosion that tore a hole through the roof of the multi-story home.
International leaders and humanitarian organisations have expressed outrage over the killing.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell both condemned the attack, stressing that aid workers must never be targets and calling for a swift investigation.
This escalation follows years of conflict between the DRC government and M23 rebels, a struggle that has displaced over seven million people and increasingly involves the use of sophisticated drone technology.
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