African Union Condemns Deadly Drone Strike on Civilians in Goma

The African Union (AU) on Thursday strongly condemned a drone strike that killed civilians in Goma, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The continental body called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the region to exercise restraint and urged the launch of an independent investigation into the incident.

In a statement, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, expressed deep concern over reports that an unmanned aerial attack struck a densely populated area in North Kivu, resulting in civilian casualties. Among the victims was a humanitarian worker affiliated with the United Nations.

“The Commission strongly condemns any attack that endangers the lives of civilians and humanitarian personnel, which is in violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement said.

The attack occurred on Wednesday when a drone strike targeted a residential building housing humanitarian workers in Goma. According to preliminary reports, at least three people were killed, including a staff member of UNICEF from France.