Main content

Unusual Tales from the Colombian Peace Talks

Inside the Colombian Peace Talks, a cultural revival amidst civil war in Damascus, creating drama in Sierra Leone and the songs of Uzbekistan.

The peace talks between the Colombian government and the rebel group FARC have entered their 33rd round. The process has been eventful, from an abducted general to an invitation to Miss Universe to take part. 大象传媒 Mundo's Arturo Wallace reflects on the negotiations so far and asks how and if these talks will ever come to an end.

MY PRESIDENT
What kind of image does your president have? Can anyone compare with Jose Mujica, the outgoing president of Uruguay, who lives in a run-down farmhouse and drives an old volkswagen? We took a trip across the Fifth Floor through Uruguay, Kenya, China, Ukraine and Argentina - to look at presidential styles.

UZBEK SONGS
David Amanor talks to Ibrat Safo from 大象传媒 Uzbek who has produced a series of interviews called 'History of One Song' - ten episodes with ten different singers from Uzbekistan. Some have fallen out of favour or are banned. Ibrat introduces us to three singers, their music and the stories behind their songs.

FIFI
Fifi Haroon selects her favourite stories from the web this week.

GREEN SHOOTS OF CULTURE IN SYRIA
Assaf Aboud is the 大象传媒's only reporter permanently based in Syria. It's nearly four years since the protests that started the conflict, and parts of the capital have changed beyond recognition. Assaf tells us that in spite of - or perhaps because of - the conflict, pockets of Damascus have started to see a revival of culture, with people congregating to listen to poetry and music.

THE BAMBA COMMUNITY
Tales of romance and heartbreak have hit the airwaves in Sierra Leone with the launch of the radio drama 'Bamba Community'. The series aims to give Sierra Leoneans a better understanding of women's and girls' rights and entitlements. 大象传媒 Media Action's Yvette Olu-Garrick reveals how the drama creates compelling characters that connect with the audience.

Picture: FARC
Picture credit: Getty Images

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 Feb 2015 02:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 27 Feb 2015 12:05GMT
  • Fri 27 Feb 2015 23:05GMT
  • Sat 28 Feb 2015 02:05GMT