The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), known as MONUSCO, has expressed deep concern over a reported drone strike in the conflict-hit eastern region. MONUSCO strongly condemned attacks, including drone strikes, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Masisi-centre, North Kivu Province. The mission called for an independent verification of the incident and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and international humanitarian law.
The international medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that 42 people, including women and children, were admitted to Masisi General Referral Hospital after the airstrike. Patients suffered shrapnel wounds and trauma, with two fatalities shortly after arrival. Masisi, severely impacted by conflict in eastern DRC, witnessed intensified fighting involving the M23 rebel group and DRC military forces.
In South Kivu Province, clashes erupted between the M23 and pro-government militias near Uvira, a town of strategic importance. The M23 briefly seized Uvira on December 10, 2025, withdrawing a week later. The eastern DRC has long faced violence, worsened by the resurgence of the M23 rebellion since late 2021. Accusations of Rwanda supporting the rebel group have been denied by Kigali.
