DR Congo authorities begin investigations into drone strike

Incident Report: Drone Attack in Democratic Republic of Congo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have initiated investigations following a drone attack targeting the residence of a United Nations staff member, resulting in the death of a French aid worker.

Humanitarian sources confirmed multiple buildings were targeted in overnight drone strikes. The UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO reported two additional civilian casualties.

A statement from the Ministry of Communication and Media indicated that authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incidents in affected areas. The origin of these explosions remains under investigation.

Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have extended condolences to the victims' families.

The Congolese army, based several hundred kilometers from Goma, frequently conducts long-range drone strikes against M23 positions in the east. Security sources have indicated that M23 also employs explosive drones in combat.

Recent reports describe bomb blasts and the sound of drones in various residential neighborhoods of Goma, a significant provincial capital near the Rwandan border, which M23 captured in early 2025.

The European Union crisis management commissioner noted that a drone strike impacted a residential building in Goma, housing aid workers and EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid staff. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the family of the deceased French UNICEF worker and called for respect for humanitarian law and personnel. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the attack and emphasized the protection of civilians and aid workers under international law. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the humanitarian worker's dedication to supporting affected children and families.

Based on reporting by Africanews.