UN Secretary-General Condemns Drone Strike Killing UNICEF Worker in Congo
Synopsis
A tragic drone attack in the DRC has resulted in the death of UNICEF staffer Karine Buisset, prompting outrage from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Key Takeaways
UN Secretary-General outraged over the drone strike.
Karine Buisset was a dedicated humanitarian worker.
Second humanitarian worker killed in DRC this year.
At least 92 incidents affecting humanitarian workers reported.
Call for immediate cessation of hostilities in the region.
United Nations, March 12 (NationPress) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep outrage following the fatal drone strike that claimed the life of a UNICEF employee in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as reported by a spokesperson from the UN.
Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ chief spokesperson, stated, "Our colleague Karine Buisset lost her life in a drone attack targeting a facility that housed humanitarian workers." He added, "Karine was a devoted humanitarian who tirelessly advocated for children and families affected by conflict and crises."
Emergency support was provided by UN peacekeepers in the DRC, who also conducted an initial evaluation of the incident in Goma, according to Dujarric.
As highlighted by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Buisset marks the second humanitarian worker to be killed in the DRC this year, amidst at least 92 reported incidents affecting humanitarian personnel since January.
Dujarric emphasized the necessity for all parties involved in the DRC conflict to ensure the safety of civilians and those delivering essential aid. He stated, "Humanitarian workers must never be targeted. This is a matter of international law that is non-negotiable and must be upheld."
The mission also urged all conflicting parties to halt hostilities immediately, in line with their commitments to observe the ceasefire, focusing on a political resolution and building upon recent progress made in peace initiatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Buisset’s death in a post on X, where he called for a strict adherence to humanitarian law.
Goma, the capital of North Kivu province located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, is currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel forces, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the grave implications of violence against humanitarian workers. The tragic loss of Karine Buisset reflects the urgent need for safeguarding civilians and aid providers amidst ongoing conflicts. This incident calls for immediate action and accountability from all parties involved.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
A drone strike killed Karine Buisset, a UNICEF staff member, while she was working to assist children and families affected by conflict.
Who is Antonio Guterres?
Antonio Guterres is the UN Secretary-General, who has expressed outrage over the killing of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Why is the safety of humanitarian workers important?
Humanitarian workers play a critical role in providing life-saving assistance in conflict areas and must be protected under international law.
What actions did the UN take following the attack?
UN peacekeepers provided emergency support and conducted an assessment of the drone strike in Goma.
How many humanitarian workers have been killed in the DRC this year?
Karine Buisset is the second humanitarian worker to be killed in the DRC in 2023.
