The AFC/M23 rebel movement has accused the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as FARDC, of carrying out drone strikes in the city of Goma in North Kivu Province, reportedly killing a French national who worked for the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF.
According to the group, the strikes occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at around 4:00 a.m. Local residents reported hearing loud explosions that triggered panic and fear in several parts of the city.
Videos circulating on social media show a building used by UNICEF that appears to have sustained heavy damage, with parts of the structure destroyed and sections engulfed in flames.
In a message posted on X, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that “the Kinshasa regime is carrying out drone strikes on the city of Goma.”
He described the attacks as a serious act of provocation that could have severe consequences for civilians living in the city.
Kanyuka further alleged that, in addition to the drone strikes, heavy artillery shelling has continued across several frontlines in North Kivu.
AFC/M23 said the attacks are putting many civilians in danger and called on Congolese citizens to speak out about what is happening in the eastern part of the country.
As of now, neither the government in Kinshasa nor the United Nations has issued a statement confirming or denying the claims. Meanwhile, the security situation in Goma remains tense as authorities and residents await further details about the incident.
