I took it as a friend to Africa. It was a bridge to another world and this in itself was fascinating for a citizen of the GDR.

Berlin, to be precise, at checkpoint, Charlie. Escape became more and more difficult, but still

the attempts were made.

BBC World Service. You're listening to Comrade Africa with me Emily Oliver and over the next

hour I'm traveling back in time over half a century to hear about an unlikely friendship

across two continents.

Peter Feischler made a dash for the Berlin Wall, reached the top of the wall, and was then shot down

by the East German Guards who were at peace shooter.

Communist East Germany, or the GDR, was a rather grim place

where people faced a highly secured wall to stop them from leaving,

and where stern-looking border guards made

those who wanted to come in feel unwelcome. Its aim for total control produced a

network of spies amongst the population.

Suspicion and fear always hung in the air.

But in East Berlin there was one special corner

within this oppressive regime that was a little more colourful and easy going.

This is Radio Berlin International, the voice of the German Democratic Republic,

broadcasting... Broadcasting to This is Radio Berlin International.

This is Radio Berlin International.

This is Radio Berlin International, Broadcasting to Africa. We hope that reception will be good.

So do I.

Radio Berlin International, often shortened to RBI, was East Germany's international broadcaster.

...