The African Union has voiced strong condemnation over a reported drone strike in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, that killed civilians, including a humanitarian worker, and damaged residential neighborhoods.
The continental body urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of civilians and aid personnel.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed deep concern over the incident.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission expresses its deep concern over the reported drone strike in Goma, North Kivu, which resulted in the death of civilians, including a humanitarian worker, and caused damage in residential areas,” the statement said.
The African Union emphasized that attacks targeting civilians or humanitarian workers violate international humanitarian law.
“The AUC Chairperson strongly condemns any attack that endangers civilian lives and humanitarian personnel, in violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement added.
The Commission stressed the need for all parties engaged in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC to exercise maximum restraint.
“The African Union Commission reiterates the imperative for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian actors operating in the region,” it said.
The AU also highlighted the importance of respecting ongoing peace mediation efforts and ceasefire agreements designed to stabilize the region, which has been plagued by persistent violence involving armed groups.
The statement called for an impartial investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the drone strike.
“The Commission supports the need for clarification of the circumstances surrounding this incident through an impartial investigation,” it noted.
In addition, the African Union reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Congolese government, regional partners, and the international community to advance a long-term political solution.
“The African Union remains fully committed to working with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, regional partners, and the international community to advance a durable political solution, de-escalate violence, and promote lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
The drone strike in Goma on Wednesday caused explosions in multiple neighborhoods, killing at least three people.
Among those killed was Karine Buisset, a French national working with the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The blasts left residents shaken as destruction spread through affected areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UNICEF officials condemned the killing, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and safeguard aid workers.
The strike is part of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where drone and artillery attacks have intensified the humanitarian crisis despite a peace deal brokered by the United States and Qatar last year.