Drone Strike in Goma Kills French UN Aid Worker; M23 Blames Congolese Forces, Kinshasa Denies
Key Takeaways
- Drone strikes killed a French aid worker and other civilians in Goma.
- M23 blamed Congolese forces for the strikes; authorities dispute that attribution.
- Strikes hit central Goma near Lake Kivu, first such attacks since M23 seized the city.
Casualties and confusion
A drone strike struck downtown Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, killing aid workers and civilians amid conflicting casualty counts.
“Drone strike kills UN aid worker in the eastern Congo city of Goma Drone strike kills UN aid worker in the eastern Congo city of Goma GOMA, Congo (AP) — A series of explosions attributed to drones killed at least one person, a U”
The Associated Press reported “A series of explosions attributed to drones killed at least one person, a U.N. aid worker,” while other outlets said multiple deaths occurred.
Devdiscourse said the strike “resulted in the death of three individuals, including a French aid worker,” and Zonebourse reported it “killing at least three people, including a French humanitarian worker.”
Le Point noted that “three people were killed in the attack, including Karine Buisset, a French aid worker and United Nations system staff member (UNICEF),” but added “Other sources on the ground report instead that the toll was one dead.”
Attribution dispute
The rebel group M23 blamed Congolese government forces for the strikes, while Kinshasa acknowledged the incident and said it would investigate.
AP said M23 blamed “the government for the attack,” and Zonebourse reported the group’s posts on X accusing “Kinshasa had launched drones against a densely populated urban area.”
Devdiscourse recorded that “AFC/M23 rebels blamed Congolese forces for the attacks,” while the Congolese government “confirmed the strike and is investigating.”
La Libre noted these strikes occur amid an uptick of attacks and that Kinshasa’s forces “regularly carry out long-range drone strikes on M23 positions in the east,” highlighting contested responsibility.
Strike locations
The strikes hit multiple locations in the city, including Lake Kivu and a private residence in the Himbi neighborhood close to prominent residences and humanitarian offices.
“Drone Strikes in Congo: French Aid Worker Killed A French aid worker was among three people killed in a drone strike in Goma, eastern Congo”
AP reported the strikes “hit Lake Kivu and a private residence located about 50 meters (164 feet) from the home of former Congo President Joseph Kabila Kabange.”
Le Point said “The first device reportedly ended up in the waters of Lake Kivu, while the second is said to have fallen onto a house,” and noted Himbi houses expatriates and humanitarian headquarters.
Zonebourse reported the lot was in Himbi and a Reuters journalist heard “two loud explosions at around 4 a.m.”
Reactions and legal concerns
International actors condemned the attack and raised legal and humanitarian concerns, while calling for investigations.
Zonebourse reported that “The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo confirmed the strikes killed a UN staff member and two other civilians, warning that attacks on UN personnel may constitute war crimes.”
Devdiscourse said “the French foreign ministry expressed its demand for a fair and independent inquiry” after the death of a French UNICEF worker.
Zonebourse noted French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib “condemned the attack... calling for respect for international humanitarian law.”
La Libre quoted Belgium’s foreign minister condemning “these blind acts of violence” and stressing protection for humanitarian workers.
Wider conflict context
Observers placed the strike in the wider context of the eastern Congo conflict, M23’s control of Goma since January 2025, allegations of Rwandan support, and ongoing long-range strikes by Kinshasa.
“Who was the French humanitarian Karine Buisset, killed by a drone strike in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”
Le Monde noted Goma was “taken in January 2025 by the rebellion of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of March 23 (AFC/M23) supported by neighboring Rwanda.”
La Libre referenced M23’s control and the claim of Rwandan support.
Zonebourse recalled that “the United States imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Forces and senior military officials for their alleged support to the AFC/M23 rebels,” which Rwanda denies.
AP and Le Point emphasized this was the first drone attack in Goma since M23 seized it, showing how the incident escalates regional tensions.
More on DR Congo
M23 Rebels Accuse Congolese Army of Drone Strikes That Kill French Aid Worker in Goma
10 sources compared
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Kills Over 200 Artisanal Miners at Rubaya Coltan Site in M23-Controlled North Kivu
16 sources compared
Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Seize Uvira, Refugees Say Rebels Killed Neighbors and Displaced Thousands
12 sources compared
Trump Brokers Deal With Rwanda, DRC to Open DRC's Critical Mineral Reserves to U.S. Companies
12 sources compared