NBC Investigation Reveals Rwanda’s Secret Role in Congo Conflict

Mass Casualties, Displacement as Conflict Escalates

Over the past three and a half years, eastern Congo has faced one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts in its modern history. More than 7,000 people have been killed, hundreds raped, and nearly five million displaced, according to reporting by NBC News.

Camps for displaced people have been destroyed, cities looted, and infrastructure reduced to ruins.

The conflict reignited in November 2021 when the rebel group known as M23 attacked military positions near the Rwanda-Congo border. But NBC’s report goes further, revealing what it describes as a “hidden invasion” by Rwanda.

Rwanda’s Denial vs. New Evidence

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied any involvement. At a 2024 press conference, he defended M23 as a Congolese movement standing up for the Tutsi minority. But a four-month NBC News investigation, involving satellite imagery, drone footage, leaked military reports, and eyewitness interviews, shows otherwise.

The investigation found that Rwandan forces have set up field bases inside Congo, trained M23 fighters, deployed drones and heavy artillery, and even disguised soldiers as rebels. Some 5,000 Rwandan troops are now believed to be operating in the region.

Covert Operations and Cover-ups

NBC News uncovered internal Rwandan military documents acknowledging failed efforts to hide soldier identities. Soldiers were ordered to leave their phones behind and remove their uniform insignia before crossing into the Congo.