UN chief condemns killing of UNICEF worker in DR Congo strike

UNICEF Employee Killed in Drone Strike in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Secretary-General has expressed significant concern over the death of Karine Buisset, a UNICEF employee, who was killed in a drone strike on a building housing aid workers in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Buisset was a committed humanitarian dedicated to supporting children and families affected by conflict and crises. The U.N. and UNICEF have extended their condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

A series of drone strikes impacted the region around Lake Kivu, including a private residence near the home of former Congo President Joseph Kabila Kabange. The M23 rebel group and local residents reported these incidents. The M23 has attributed the attack to the government, which has not yet commented.

The attack reportedly resulted in three fatalities, although these numbers are unconfirmed. Buisset, a French national, was among those killed.

Dujarric emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian personnel, stating that they must not be targeted.

As per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Buisset is the second humanitarian worker killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year. Since January, at least 92 incidents affecting humanitarian workers have been recorded nationwide.

In the previous year, over 650 incidents were reported, resulting in 13 deaths and 41 injuries among humanitarian workers across the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika, and Maniema.

Peacekeepers with the U.N. mission in the country, MONUSCO, have responded to provide emergency support and conduct an initial assessment of the strike.

Based on reporting by Africanews.