A French humanitarian worker serving with UNICEF has been killed in a drone attack on the eastern Congolese city of Goma, which remains under rebel control. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of Karine Buisset in a social media statement, calling for “respect for humanitarian law” in the conflict-ridden region.
The attack occurred early Wednesday morning when explosive drones struck a residential building frequently occupied by expatriates and aid workers near Lake Kivu. Witnesses reported hearing the distinct buzzing of drones followed by powerful explosions that tore through the structure, creating a large hole in the roof and scattering debris throughout the neighborhood. Social media footage showed flames engulfing the building as thick smoke billowed into the night sky, with panicked residents scrambling for safety.
The targeted residence was located near the home of former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, who has been sentenced to death for allegedly supporting the M23 rebels—charges he denies. The rebel group, which seized control of Goma early last year, condemned the attack as a “terrorist act” by government forces.
Buisset’s colleagues remembered her as a deeply committed humanitarian passionate about child protection programs in the region. UNICEF Cameroon announced that UN flags would be flown at half-mast in her honor, stating “The humanitarian family mourns a woman of conviction.”
The incident highlights the expanding use of drone warfare in DR Congo’s protracted conflict, which has displaced millions and drawn in regional powers. Both government forces and rebel groups have increasingly deployed explosive drones along front lines, despite multiple ceasefire agreements brokered over the past three years. The latest peace deal, signed in December at the urging of US President Donald Trump, has failed to halt the violence.
International observers continue to accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels—allegations that Rwanda denies. The conflict continues to devastate eastern DR Congo, with humanitarian workers facing increasingly dangerous conditions as the violence escalates.