A poet in a Burundi war zone, part 1
Growing up in Burundi, JP Bimeni was a mischievous boy who loved pranks and poetry. As his country collapsed into ethnic conflict, he risked his life to save a book of his verse.
Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence
JP Bimeni risked his life to save a book of his verse. He started composing poetry to impress a girl, but was soon writing to address the ethnic tensions which threatened to tear his country apart. When violence did break out he dodged machete-wielding mobs to make it to safety. The mission to rescue his poetry almost cost him everything.
Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Louise Morris
Photo: JP Bimeni Credit: Gabi Tineo
Last on
Broadcasts
- Wed 27 Jul 202211:06GMTBBC World Service
- Wed 27 Jul 202217:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Wed 27 Jul 202221:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa
- Thu 28 Jul 202202:06GMTBBC World Service
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