A French aid worker with UNICEF has been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday, following reports of drone strikes on the eastern city of Goma.

Macron confirmed the death on social media, offering condolences to the victim's family and colleagues while urging respect for humanitarian law and the protection of aid workers operating in conflict zones.

“I call for respect for humanitarian law and for the personnel on the ground who are committed to saving lives," he wrote on X.

The attack occurred in territory controlled by the March 23 Movement (M23), which resumed its insurgency in 2021 and has since seized large areas of eastern Congo. The group has been widely accused of receiving support from Rwanda, allegations Kigali denies.

Witnesses in Goma said the sound of buzzing drones and explosions was heard across several residential neighborhoods. Buildings were damaged in the strikes, with one house badly burnt and partially destroyed, while shrapnel shattered windows in nearby homes.

Despite a peace agreement signed earlier this year between Rwanda and DRC, reportedly encouraged by Donald Trump, fighting has continued along the front lines.

Security sources say the Armed Forces of the DRC regularly launch long-range drone strikes against M23 positions, while the rebels are also believed to deploy explosive drones in combat.