France opens war crimes probe after aid worker’s death in Goma

French anti-terrorism prosecutors have opened a war crimes investigation after the death of French humanitarian worker Karine Buisset in Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The move follows a reported drone strike on a residential building housing aid workers in the Himbi area of the city on Wednesday, March 11. UNICEF separately confirmed that Buisset, one of its staff members, was killed in a reported drone strike in Goma.

Buisset worked for UNICEF in a role focused on protection against sexual exploitation and abuse. In a statement issued on March 11, UNICEF said it was “devastated and outraged” by her death and stressed that civilians and humanitarian personnel must never be targeted.

The strike has drawn condemnation from international officials and renewed scrutiny over the safety of civilians and aid workers in Goma, a city at the center of the conflict in eastern DRC. It was reported that the attack hit downtown Goma and that responsibility for the strike remained disputed, with claims and counterclaims surrounding the incident.

France’s investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances of Buisset’s death and on whether criminal responsibility can be established under war crimes provisions.

The legal step marks a significant international response to an attack involving a French national working in a humanitarian mission in a conflict zone. Reporting across multiple outlets confirms the victim’s identity, the location in Goma, and the fact that the death occurred during a reported drone strike on a building used by aid workers.