A devastating drone strike in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including a French aid worker affiliated with UNICEF. The incident, which unfolded around 4am local time, has raised serious concerns over the escalating violence in the region, with the M23 rebel group attributing blame to the Congolese government.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred in the affluent Himbi neighbourhood of Goma, a city that has been under the control of M23 insurgents since January 2025. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the rebel faction, condemned the incident, alleging that it was orchestrated by the Congolese government. He described the strike as a “terrorist act” that targeted civilians in a densely populated area, endangering countless innocent lives. Kanyuka took to X (formerly Twitter) to assert, “A drone attack is currently being carried out against the city of Goma by the terrorist regime of Kinshasa, well beyond the frontlines.”
As of now, the Congolese government has refrained from commenting on the attack, and no group has officially claimed responsibility.
Reaction from France and UNICEF
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of the UNICEF worker, identified as Karine Buisset. He emphasised the importance of respecting humanitarian law and protecting those dedicated to aiding vulnerable populations. UNICEF expressed its profound sorrow and outrage over the incident, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The agency released a statement stating, “This is a painful reminder that courageous humanitarian workers must always be protected.”
Images from the scene depict responders battling flames engulfing the upper floor of a two-storey residence, which suffered significant damage. Investigators from the Centre for Information Resilience noted that the destruction aligns with the consequences of an aerial strike.
Context of the Conflict
Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has been embroiled in violence, particularly since M23 forces launched an offensive last January, resulting in catastrophic losses of life estimated at up to 2,000 individuals. The M23 group, believed to be supported by Rwanda, is one of over 100 armed factions operating within the mineral-rich eastern DRC. It purports to defend the interests of Congolese Tutsis and other minority groups against Hutu militants who sought refuge in the DRC following the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Despite a US-brokered peace agreement signed in December between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, hostilities continue to plague the region. Recently, the US imposed sanctions on the Rwandan military and several senior officials, accusing them of direct involvement with M23 forces.
Escalating Use of Drone Warfare
The drone strike in Goma signifies a troubling trend in the conflict, highlighting the increasing reliance on drone technology by both the Congolese government and rebel forces. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) organisation reveals that last month alone, there were 31 recorded drone and air strikes, marking the highest monthly total to date. Ladd Serwat, a senior analyst at ACLED, indicated that this latest attack in Goma represents the first of its kind since M23 assumed control of the city.
The dynamics of the conflict appear to be shifting rapidly. Just two weeks prior, a Congolese army drone strike in the M23-controlled town of Rubaya resulted in the deaths of the group’s military spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, alongside other leaders. M23 has also claimed responsibility for a recent drone assault targeting Kisangani airport in Tshopo province, further illustrating the intensifying military engagements across the region.
Why it Matters
The violence in Goma underscores the perilous situation in the eastern DRC, where humanitarian workers face grave risks while striving to assist those in desperate need. The loss of Karine Buisset serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing instability in the region and the urgent need for a sustained international response. As the conflict deepens and the use of drone warfare escalates, it is imperative that the global community advocates for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel in war-torn areas, ensuring that the principles of humanitarian law are upheld amidst the chaos.