UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed outrage over the drone attack that resulted in the death of a UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) worker in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Karine Buisset, a dedicated humanitarian aiding children and families affected by conflict, was killed in the strike on a building housing aid workers, as confirmed by Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
Peacekeepers from the UN mission in the DRC swiftly responded to provide emergency assistance and assess the situation in Goma following the attack. This tragic incident marks the second killing of a humanitarian worker in the DRC this year, with a total of 92 reported incidents affecting aid workers across the country since January, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Dujarric emphasized the imperative for all parties involved in the DRC conflict to safeguard civilians and those delivering life-saving aid. He stressed that humanitarian workers should never be targeted, citing international law that demands their protection without question or negotiation. The UN mission urged an immediate halt to hostilities, adherence to ceasefire commitments, and a focus on advancing political solutions and building upon recent peace efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed Buisset’s death and called for upholding humanitarian law. Goma, situated in North Kivu province on Lake Kivu’s north shore, was reportedly controlled by the March 23 Movement rebel forces at the time of the incident.
