A deadly drone attack struck a residential neighborhood in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo early Wednesday, resulting in multiple fatalities. Among the dead is a French national working for a United Nations humanitarian agency.
The incident occurred in the Himbi area of Goma, a major city that has been under the control of the M23 rebel faction since early last year. A spokesperson for the rebel alliance condemned the strike, alleging it was carried out by government forces from the capital, Kinshasa, and constituted a deliberate attack on a civilian area.
The French government confirmed the death of its citizen, who was employed by the UN’s children’s fund. The agency expressed devastation and outrage, stating the loss serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. The Congolese government has not issued an immediate statement regarding the incident.
Visual evidence from the scene showed significant damage to a residential building, with analysts noting the destruction was consistent with an aerial strike. This attack marks the first such incident in Goma since rebels seized control of the city.
The M23 group, which receives backing from neighboring Rwanda, controls significant territory in eastern DRC. Despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement signed late last year, violence has persisted. The conflict involves numerous armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich region.
Recent months have seen a notable escalation in the use of drone warfare by both sides. Last month recorded the highest number of drone and airstrikes in the country to date, according to conflict monitors. Recent weeks have also seen targeted strikes by both government and rebel forces, including one that killed a senior M23 military figure.
The ongoing instability continues to threaten civilians and complicate international efforts to broker a lasting peace in the region.
