Fatal Drone Attack Strikes Eastern Congo City, Kills UNICEF Worker

At least one person died when drone explosions rocked downtown Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday. A French UNICEF employee was killed in the attack, which hit near the former president's residence.

GOMA, Congo — Multiple drone explosions devastated the center of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, resulting in at least one confirmed death, according to M23 rebel representatives and local witnesses.

The aerial assault targeted Lake Kivu and struck a private home situated approximately 50 meters (164 feet) away from where former Congolese President Joseph Kabila Kabange resides.

The M23 rebel organization accused the Congolese government of orchestrating the deadly bombardment. Government officials have not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.

While M23 representatives claim three individuals perished in the strike, this casualty count remains unverified. Local witnesses report observing only one fatality.

Among the victims was Karine Buisset, a French citizen working for UNICEF, who died when the drone hit her residence, according to both M23 officials and area residents.

French President Emmanuel Macron offered his sympathies to the deceased woman’s relatives.

“I call for respect for humanitarian law and for the personnel on the ground who are committed to saving lives,” he posted on X.

Fighting has intensified throughout January 2025 between Congo’s military forces and the Rwanda-supported M23 movement, following the rebel group’s rapid territorial gains across eastern regions and capture of strategic urban centers. In February, another drone attack claimed the life of a high-ranking M23 spokesman and operations leader.

The ongoing violence continues despite peace efforts led by the United States and Qatar, creating a massive humanitarian emergency that has forced over 7 million people from their homes.