Sideways - 2. A Peace that Lasts

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

Published on Wednesday, 30th July 2025.

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