A French national working for the United Nations in Democratic Republic of the Congo has been killed following reported drone strikes in the eastern city of Goma, French President Emmanuel Macron has said.
Two other people were also killed in the attack, though their identities have not yet been released.
Witnesses said drones struck near Lake Kivu and hit a two-storey residential building often used by expatriates and aid workers in the rebel-held city early on Wednesday morning.
In a post on X, Macron confirmed the death of Karine Buisset, who worked for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, and called for respect for international humanitarian law.
UNICEF said it was “devastated and outraged” by her death, describing Buisset as “a dedicated humanitarian who worked tirelessly to support children and families affected by conflict and crisis.”
The head of the UN mission in DR Congo also condemned the escalation in violence.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the use of weapons, including armed drones, that endanger civilian populations and United Nations personnel,” said Bruno Lemarquis in a statement.
The rebel group M23 seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, early last year. Since 2021, the group has captured large parts of the mineral-rich east despite several ceasefires that have repeatedly collapsed.
Analysts say the latest strikes and clashes could signal a renewed push by Congolese forces to regain territory in the region.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, based hundreds of kilometres from Goma, has frequently carried out long-range drone strikes on rebel positions. Security sources also say the M23 uses explosive drones along the front lines.
Videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing the damaged building as thick smoke rose into the sky and residents fled the area in panic.
Residents reported hearing explosions and the buzzing of drones across several neighbourhoods. One resident said they heard a blast around 04:00 in the Katindo district but initially did not know what had happened.
The residence that was hit is located near the home of former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila, according to the Associated Press. Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia on treason charges over alleged links to the rebels — accusations he denies.
M23 representatives blamed the Congolese government for the strike, calling it a “terrorist act,” while the army has denied any involvement.
The incident highlights the growing use of drones in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, which has displaced millions of people and drawn in regional powers.
The United Nations and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, allegations Kigali strongly rejects.
The latest violence comes despite a peace agreement signed by Rwanda and DR Congo in December under pressure from Donald Trump, the most recent attempt to end the long-running conflict.
