In the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Civilians are Trapped in a Drone War

Drones are now attacking civilians far from the front line in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a conflict that continues despite peace negotiations has taken a risky new turn. Violence has afflicted the area for almost 30 years, but in early 2025, conflict escalated as Rwandan-backed M23 insurgents overran Congolese soldiers and took control of the crucial cities of Goma and Bukavu.

Humanitarian sources report that a drone attack last week injured at least 25 civilians in Mushaki, a rural area now under M23 control that is roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Goma. With assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the wounded, including a two-year-old daughter, were transported to the city’s Ndosho hospital.

The strike struck a market, according to witnesses who spoke to AFP. Many claimed that before to the explosion, they were living their regular lives far from any combat zones.”I heard an explosion on my way to the market after returning from my field,” said Jean-Claude Tusenge, a father of six. He recalled getting struck in the stomach and fainting. Germaine, 21, who had a thigh injury, also remembered people sprinting in all directions.

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