UN raises alarm over reported drone strike in eastern DR Congo

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, said on Saturday that it was deeply concerned by reports of a drone strike in the country's conflict-hit eastern region.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, MONUSCO condemned all attacks — including drone strikes — that target or affect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The mission also called for an independent verification of the reported incident in Masisi Centre, North Kivu Province, where fighting continues between Congolese government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.

MONUSCO urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, comply with international humanitarian law, and prioritize the implementation of peace agreements reached through ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts.

According to the international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), at least 42 people, including women and children, were admitted to Masisi General Referral Hospital after an airstrike hit a residential area late on Friday. MSF reported that the patients suffered shrapnel injuries and other trauma, and two later died from their wounds.

Masisi is one of the areas hardest hit by the conflict in eastern DR Congo. The reported drone strike followed a renewed surge in fighting last week involving the M23, the Congolese army, and their respective allies.

In neighboring South Kivu Province, clashes also erupted on Saturday morning between M23 fighters and pro-government militias known as the Wazalendo near the strategic town of Uvira, local media reported. The M23 briefly seized Uvira on December 10, 2022, before announcing its withdrawal a week later.

Eastern DR Congo has been plagued by decades of instability, a situation exacerbated by the resurgence of the M23 rebellion since late 2021. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebel group—allegations that Kigali has consistently denied.