2. A Peace that Lasts

30/07/2025 28 min

Listen "2. A Peace that Lasts"

Episode Synopsis

Uganda, in the mid-1990s - 35-year-old Betty Bigombe is sent by President Yoweri Museveni to the north of the country to open peace talks with rebel groups. Her mission: to stop the violence by negotiating with those behind thousands of deaths and horrific massacres. But to bring peace, she might have to compromise - and that might mean offering concessions or even immunity to people who have perpetrated unimaginable crimes. Could Betty end the suffering without sacrificing justice?Stopping violence through a ceasefire is one thing. Securing a peace that prevents future conflict is quite another. A true, lasting peace demands more than just halting the guns; it requires getting all the elements right to avoid reigniting old wounds. But in order to get there, we might have to explore challenging avenues.In the second episode of Chasing Peace, a special three-part mini series of Sideways, Matthew Syed explores whether lessons from past efforts can guide us toward a peace that lasts. Should we rethink how we engage with those labelled as ‘the bad guys’? Where does justice fit into a successful peace process?With former Uganda peace negotiator Betty Bigombe, preventive diplomacy expert Gabrielle Rifkind, Professor of International Relations Oliver Richmond and International Center for Transitional Justice Deputy Executive Director Anna-Myriam Roccatello. Presenter: Matthew Syed
Producer: Julien Manuguerra-Patten
Editor: Hannah Marshall
Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson
Theme music by Ioana Selaru
A Novel production for BBC Radio 4