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Drone Strike in Goma Kills UNICEF Worker, Sparks Outrage

3/13/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A drone strike in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early Wednesday killed three people, including Karine Buisset, a UNICEF aid worker.
The strike hit a residential area housing expatriates and aid workers around 4 a.m. local time.
The M23 rebel group blamed the Congolese government, and officials denied responsibility.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and urged respect for humanitarian law.

History

Historical Context

The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 triggered a massive refugee crisis, with over 2 million fleeing to Goma, exacerbating regional instability. The March 23 Movement (M23), a Rwandan-backed rebel group, has since challenged the Congolese government, leading to renewed violence. In January 2025, M23 captured Goma, marking a significant escalation reminiscent of earlier Congo conflicts, raising fears of a broader regional war.

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Story summary

A drone strike in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early Wednesday killed three people, including Karine Buisset, a UNICEF aid worker.
The strike hit a residential area housing expatriates and aid workers around 4 a.m. local time.
The M23 rebel group blamed the Congolese government, and officials denied responsibility.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and urged respect for humanitarian law.

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