A French humanitarian working for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was killed Wednesday in a drone strike in Goma, underscoring mounting dangers for civilians and aid workers amid the volatile conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The attack also claimed the lives of two civilians in a residential neighbourhood now controlled by the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group.
The victim was identified as Karine Buisset, a French national and UNICEF employee who had been working to assist children and families affected by years of violence. International leaders quickly condemned her death, calling for protection of humanitarian personnel under international law.
The early‑morning attack struck a two‑storey home in central Goma, near prominent neighbourhoods and close to the city’s lakeshore. Video footage shared online showed structural damage and smoke rising from the site, while residents recounted hearing the sound of a drone before a loud explosion ripped through the roof.
M23’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed the strike was carried out with a “combat drone” and accused the Congolese government forces of targeting what he described as “densely populated urban areas,” putting civilians at risk. Officials from Kinshasa have not publicly responded to the accusation.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep sorrow over the loss, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the death of a French humanitarian was “a tragic reminder of the risks faced by those committed to saving lives.” He called for strict observance of humanitarian law in conflict zones.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the organisation was “devastated and outraged,” and emphasised that civilians and aid workers “must never be targeted.” The United Nations Secretary‑General also condemned the strike, highlighting that humanitarian personnel must be protected under international norms.
Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key strategic hub near Lake Kivu, has been held by M23 rebels since their capture of the city in January 2025 amid a resurgence of conflict in eastern DRC. The fractious group controls large swathes of territory and has resisted government offensives, complicating efforts to stabilise the region.
Peace efforts have included the Washington Accords, signed in December 2025 in the United States, which aimed to cease hostilities and address rebel disarmament. However, analysts say ongoing offensives and drone strikes reveal deep challenges to implementation, while diplomatic agreements have yet to stem the flow of violence.
Earlier this month, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and senior officials, accusing them of materially supporting M23 operations and undermining peace efforts in eastern Congo. Kigali has strongly rejected those accusations, describing sanctions as unjust.
These developments come amid a broader humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and civilian infrastructure repeatedly damaged, making aid delivery increasingly perilous. The recent killing of Buisset is at least the second humanitarian worker death this year in the conflict, highlighting persistent threats faced by front‑line helpers across the beleaguered region.
International actors, including the United Nations, European nations, and the United States, are calling for accountability and restraint, urging all parties to respect ceasefire agreements and safeguard civilians. As violence persists, questions loom over the viability of peace accords and the prospects for a negotiated end to hostilities.
For now, the tragic loss of a dedicated aid worker in Goma casts a stark light on the human cost of eastern Congo’s conflict and the urgent need for renewed diplomatic and humanitarian strategies to protect those caught in its crossfire.
