This is not just video storytelling, it’s investigative journalism video storytelling. These journalists use varying digital tools to walk viewers through all of the evidence they found in their investigation
The conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has brought horrific violence and suffering to innocent people for three and a half years. In late 2021, the March 23 Movement (M23) rebelled against the Congolese government. Since then thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced.
Throughout the conflict, neighboring Rwanda has said that it has played no part in the violence. Rwandan president Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 movement.
NBC News’ investigation over a period of 4 months uncovered evidence that Rwanda has armed, trained and commanded the rebels, and committed thousands of its own troops to the fight. These findings are the centerpiece of the subsequent digital documentary “Hidden Invasion.” Diplomatic sources told NBC News that behind the scenes, our investigation became a point of leverage for pressuring Rwanda to agree to withdraw their troops from eastern Congo.
The original film highlights the findings of a comprehensive four-month review of confidential military reports and hours of drone footage and satellite imagery, and reveals a carefully concealed operation by Kagame’s armed forces to take control of a swath of Congolese territory that is home to more than 5 million people.
For the first time, viewers are able to see for themselves Rwanda establishing bases on Congolese soil, flooding eastern Congo with advanced weapons systems, and engaging in the fighting.
Additionally, NBC News documented Rwandan casualties in the DRC, as evidence of their involvement. Using satellite imagery, we observed a surge in new graves at Rwanda’s most important military cemetery. We also collected funeral announcements for soldiers posted online, and were then able to verify their deaths.
Finally, the short video includes an exclusive interview with a former member of the Rwandan military, who lost friends and family to the fighting and who spoke with NBC News at great personal risk.
