The United Nations has condemned the killing of Karine Buisset, a UNICEF staff member, in a drone strike targeting a building housing aid workers in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Speaking in New York on Wednesday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described Buisset as a “dedicated humanitarian” who tirelessly supported children and families affected by conflict and crises. The U.N. and UNICEF extended their deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
The strike, part of a series of drone attacks near Lake Kivu, reportedly hit a private residence approximately 50 meters from the home of former President Joseph Kabila Kabange, according to the M23 rebel group and local residents. M23 accused the government of carrying out the attack, while the Congolese authorities have not issued an immediate response.
M23 reported that the strike killed three people, though the figure has not been independently confirmed. Buisset, a French national, was present at the residence at the time and was killed in the incident, according to the group and local witnesses.
Dujarric emphasized the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel, stating, “The parties must ensure the protection of civilians and those providing lifesaving assistance. Humanitarian personnel must never be a target.”
Buisset is the second humanitarian worker killed in the DRC this year, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Since January, at least 92 incidents affecting humanitarian staff have been reported, reflecting ongoing security risks in the country. In 2025, more than 650 such incidents occurred, with 13 aid workers killed and 41 injured across North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika, and Maniema provinces.
Peacekeepers from the U.N. mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, responded to provide emergency support and conduct an initial assessment of the strike.
The attack highlights the persistent dangers faced by humanitarian workers in eastern DRC, where armed conflict continues to threaten civilians and aid operations.
