It would be a mistake for Canadian soldiers to be sent into the Democratic Republic of Congo (Defining Canada's Role In Congo, Comment - April 7). The DRC has emerged from a history of violent intervention by foreign countries, and has been plagued by government corruption, leading to an economic crisis that gave way to years of war.
The DRC's economy showed indications of improvement after foreign troops left the country, and the high death toll is currently blamed on widespread disease and famine. Canada should save its military resources and instead earmark assistance for economic development and education for this nation.