news 12 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
UN Slams Drone Strike Killing UNICEF Worker in Goma, Calls It Potential War Crime
The acting head of MONUSCO has strongly condemned a drone attack in Goma that killed French UNICEF staffer Carine Buisset, warning that targeting UN personnel may constitute war crimes. French President Macron also denounced the incident amid escalating violence in eastern DRC. Source: https://observer.ug/news/un-condemns-drone-strike-that-killed-unicef-staff-in-goma
Bruno Lemarquis, acting leader of the UN’s MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has fiercely criticized a drone strike in Goma City, North Kivu Province, that claimed the life of UNICEF employee Carine Buisset, a French national.
The attack occurred around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the Himbi neighborhood near Lake Kivu, striking an apartment where Buisset was staying. The site is linked to M23/AFC rebel leaders like Bertrand Bisimwa and others. M23 figures, including Lawrence Kanyuka, blamed the Congolese army (FARDC) and allies, saying it aimed at their key commanders in a civilian area far from frontlines.
Lemarquis highlighted the deaths of Buisset, two civilians, and property damage, stating that assaults on UN staff could qualify as war crimes under the Rome Statute. He demanded respect for international humanitarian law, an independent probe, and a halt to fighting in favor of talks.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Buisset’s death, offered condolences, and condemned the act. UNICEF mourned her as a devoted aid worker for conflict-affected children. An EJVM team is now in Goma investigating.
This strike fits into rising tensions, with Goma under M23/AFC since late January 2025 and FARDC ramping up drone use against rebels, including a prior hit on spokesperson Willy Ngoma. M23, led by Bisimwa and Makenga since 2022, fights what it calls corruption and bias, amid Rwanda backing claims denied by Kigali.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)