Kinshasa, 8 September 2025 – Dr. Débora Kayembe, a Congolese-born lawyer and activist based in the UK, has issued an open letter to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, urging him to safeguard national unity as the historic trial of former president Joseph Kabila Kabange unfolds.

In her appeal, Dr. Kayembe warned that while the trial of Joseph Kabila is necessary to address past injustices, it must be conducted with impartiality and fairness to avoid divisions that could destabilize the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key Messages from the Letter

Justice with Responsibility
Dr. Kayembe emphasized that justice should not be turned into vengeance. “Justice that divides is justice that wounds the Nation,” she wrote, calling for a process that balances truth, reconciliation, and peace.
Her Personal Testimony
She recalled fleeing Congo at age 29 due to persecution under Kabila’s rule and Paul Kagame’s influence, spending 16 years in exile in the UK. Despite these hardships, she rose to become the 54th Rector of the University of Edinburgh, the first Black person to hold the role.
National and International Impact
While recognizing the suffering caused during Kabila’s 18 years in power, she also pointed out that his peaceful transfer of power in 2019 strengthened Congo’s image globally. She urged Tshisekedi to ensure the trial does not damage that legacy of democratic transition.
Call for Unity

PRESS RELEASE

Dr. Débora Kayembe’s Open Letter to Tshisekedi on Kabila Trial

By

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Political Analyst

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Comment

Sep 9, 2025

May 15, 2026

3 min read

In an open letter, Dr. Débora Kayembe urges President Tshisekedi to ensure Joseph Kabila’s trial brings justice without dividing the Congolese nation.

Published

Updated:

Key Messages from the Letter

Justice with Responsibility
Dr. Kayembe emphasized that justice should not be turned into vengeance. “Justice that divides is justice that wounds the Nation,” she wrote, calling for a process that balances truth, reconciliation, and peace.
Her Personal Testimony
She recalled fleeing Congo at age 29 due to persecution under Kabila’s rule and Paul Kagame’s influence, spending 16 years in exile in the UK. Despite these hardships, she rose to become the 54th Rector of the University of Edinburgh, the first Black person to hold the role.
National and International Impact
While recognizing the suffering caused during Kabila’s 18 years in power, she also pointed out that his peaceful transfer of power in 2019 strengthened Congo’s image globally. She urged Tshisekedi to ensure the trial does not damage that legacy of democratic transition.
Call for Unity
“Our children deserve to inherit a country that heals its wounds, learns from its past, and builds its future in peace,” she stated, urging the President to show wisdom and responsibility.

Closing Appeal

Dr. Kayembe concluded that her letter was not a plea for impunity but a vision of a Congo where truth, justice, peace, and national unity guide the future.

END