• A French UN aid worker, Karine Buisset, was killed in drone strikes in Goma.
• The M23 rebels blamed the Congolese army for the attacks, claiming they targeted civilians.
• French President Macron condemned the incident and called for respect for humanitarian law.
• The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified despite previous ceasefires.
• Reports indicate the violence raises serious concerns for the city's civilian population.

A French aid worker for UNICEF, Karine Buisset, was killed in Goma, a city controlled by M23 rebels, during drone strikes that occurred early on March 11. The strikes, attributed to the Congolese army, reportedly resulted in at least three fatalities, including Buisset, according to officials from both the M23 and UNICEF, as well as eyewitness reports. This incident marks the first documented drone attack in Goma since the M23 seized control of the city in January 2025, escalating the regional conflict further, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and Le Monde.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and stressed the importance of humanitarian law, declaring that "civilians, including aid workers, must never be targeted." In parallel, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the killing, describing Buisset as a "dedicated humanitarian" who worked tirelessly in challenging circumstances. This tragedy prompted a call for the protection of civilians in conflict zones, according to Los Angeles Times, BBC, and Reuters.

In response to the drone strikes, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the incident as a "terrorist act" aimed at a densely populated civilian area and claimed the attack was launched by the Congolese government. Local witnesses noted significant explosions and damage to buildings, including those frequented by expatriates and aid workers, emphasizing the escalating nature of the conflict. The Congolese army did not provide an immediate response, prolonging the uncertainty regarding the incident's implications, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo continues to worsen, with millions displaced amidst ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups, including the M23. Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions, with numerous attacks exchanged between the Congolese army and insurgent forces, showcasing the volatility that persists despite attempts at ceasefire agreements, noted reports from Le Monde and Los Angeles Times.