In what was the last dreary weekend in March, a group of concerned supporters gathered in Washington, D.C. The topic of concern was an issue that has ebbed and flowed on the radar of many people. What was the issue that caused such a gathering? It is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

There were religious advocates and defenders of women's rights. Other attendees were concerned about the exploitation of the country's natural resources, a number of students came out to express concerns about their peers. There were a great number of others protesting in fears that the United States is again neglecting a nation that is in dire straits. 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured a violent history since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. On more than one occasion, French and Belgian troops have had to intervene to restore order. One of the results of their intervention was the long running corrupt, but pro-American regime, of Mobutu Sese Seko. After his death, the most violent era in the history of the DRC began. 

Twice in the 1990s, the Congo was a war zone. The fighting there was a direct result of the Rwandan Genocide. The fighting was also encouraged by the tepid response from the U.N., its African neighbors and their Western backers. So after the removal of a corrupt regime another grab for the resources began in earnest. This grab would eventually involve seven other African states and the fighting could be considered to be Africa's World War.

The U.S. did play a role in creating the debacle—it's only fair that we attempt to resolve it. Scott A. MorganOver the last two years the Congo has taken baby steps towards what may be called by some a Democratic government. Even with the small amount of progress, problems still remain. Several foreign militias are active in the Eastern part of the country. In some instances they are the bodies that collect and levy taxes and provide security. Another major issue will be the massive exploitation of sexual abuse by both warring parties and civilians, often against innocent women and children. 

As in many conflicts, these are the most vulnerable groups. Sadly, both have been abused by virtually all sides in the last decade. This sad detail also includes the U.N. Peacekeepers that have been sent in relief efforts. If the country is to heal, this is an issue that needs to be resolved with haste. The natural resources of the country are targets as well for exploitation; the infrastructure of the country needs to be repaired as well. 

These are just the highlights of the reasons that this gathering occurred in the United States. Last year a similar meeting took place in Brussels and organizers hope that such an event will take place in Africa next year. But on the first of April this year, people trekked to Capitol Hill in Washington. They met with legislators urging them to allow for the U.S. to take a more positive and crucial role in the Congo crisis. After all, the U.S. did play a role in creating the debacle—it's only fair that we attempt to resolve it.