Published：Mar 11, 07:47Last updated：Mar 12, 20:57

Drone Strike in Goma Kills French Humanitarian and UN Worker, Escalating Regional Tensions

Mar. 11, 2026 07:47

In the early hours of March 11, two explosions occurred in Goma, North-Kivu province, targeting the city controlled by armed group AFC/M23, supported by Rwanda. The attack involved drones and resulted in casualties, including a French humanitarian worker. The armed group reports three deaths from the incident.

Summarized

20News

14Media

Mar. 12, 2026 15:41

On March 12, the African Union condemned a drone attack in Goma, North Kivu Province, DRC, which caused civilian casualties. The AU urged all conflict parties to exercise restraint and called for a fair investigation. The attack occurred amid ongoing conflict involving the M23 movement, which has accused the government forces of multiple attacks since January 2025. The AU emphasized the need to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in eastern DRC, where tensions have escalated and caused many deaths and displacements.

Mar. 12, 2026 20:57

A drone strike in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, killed three people, including a U.N. peacekeeping worker. The attack occurred on Wednesday, and U.N. troops are guarding the site. The incident highlights ongoing violence in the region and the risks faced by peacekeeping personnel. Details about the perpetrators or motives are not provided.

A deadly drone strike struck Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on March 11, 2026, killing at least three people, including a French humanitarian worker and a U.N. peacekeeping staff member. The attack, which occurred in a context of ongoing violence and instability, has drawn swift condemnation from the African Union and European diplomats, highlighting the worsening security situation and the increasing risks faced by humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel in the region.Radio France Internationale+2

🚁 Details of the Drone Strike

The strike took place in a residential area of Goma frequented by expatriates and humanitarian staff. Local sources confirmed that three people died, including a French humanitarian worker and a U.N. peacekeeping staff member. The attack caused significant damage and panic, underscoring the growing use of drone warfare in eastern Congo’s conflict. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, suspicions have fallen on parties to the ongoing conflict, further straining the fragile ceasefire and peace process.Radio France Internationale+2

🏥 Humanitarian and Civilian Impact

Victims of the strike included a French national working for a humanitarian organization and two others, one of whom was a U.N. worker. The targeted building served as a residence for relief staff, amplifying international concerns about the safety of humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. The African Union and European political circles have called for urgent measures to protect civilians and aid workers, as well as a thorough investigation into the incident.Radio France Internationale+2

⚔️ Ongoing Conflict and Political Reactions

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the M23 rebel movement and government forces, with both sides trading accusations since January 2025. The African Union has condemned the attack, urging restraint and a fair investigation. Protests against insecurity have erupted in Goma, reflecting widespread fear and frustration among residents. The violence has led to numerous deaths, displacements, and has jeopardized ongoing peace efforts in eastern DRC.Huanqiu+2

M23GomaUNICEFEmmanuel MacronDemocratic Republic of Congo