A French UN aid worker, Karine Buisset, was killed in an overnight air strike in Goma, eastern DRC.
The building she stayed in Himbi, a neighbourhood housing humanitarian staff, was hit, causing partial destruction and casualties.
The origin of the strike remains unclear, with both the Congolese army and M23 militia using drones in the region.
Witnesses reported explosions and buzzing drones echoing through residential areas under M23 control since their 2025 seizure of Goma.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences and urged respect for humanitarian personnel and international law.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called the killing “devastating” and stressed civilians and aid workers must never be targeted.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, highlighting Buisset’s dedication to supporting children and families in conflict zones.
Sources suggested the building may have been hit by mistake while targeting M23 officials or associates in the area.
The mineral-rich Congolese east has been plagued by decades of armed conflict involving local militias and foreign involvement.
M23 relies on key mines such as Rubaya, which provide revenue and resources including coltan for electronics and batteries.
UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 to control eastern Congo’s mineral wealth, despite Kigali denying direct support.
International concern has grown, with Washington imposing sanctions on the Rwandan army over alleged support for the militia.
The strike underscores the escalating dangers for humanitarian workers amid ongoing violence and fragile ceasefires in eastern DRC.