Vietnamese peacekeepers awarded UN medals for services in Abyei

THE HANOI TIMES — A total of 180 officers and personnel from Vietnam’s Level 2 Engineering Unit, Rotation 3, received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal during a ceremony held on July 24 at the Highway Base in Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan.

Presented by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the medals recognize the unit’s outstanding service during its one-year deployment.

Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani, the UNISFA Deputy Force Commander, praised the Vietnamese engineers for their fulfillment of peacekeeping missions and active engagement in humanitarian efforts, such as constructing roads, repairing airstrips, building schools, and distributing food.

Abionweng Majith, Minister of Peace and Reconciliation of Abyei, commended the Vietnamese peacekeepers for their professionalism and solidarity. She stated that their presence has positively changed local perceptions of UNISFA.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Hao, Commander of the Vietnam’s Level 2 Engineering Unit, said the medal symbolizes the dedication and pride of each Vietnamese peacekeepers as well as the honor of the Vietnamese military and nation.

Following the ceremony, guests attended a reception featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnam’s Level-2 Engineering Unit, Rotation 3, consisting of 184 personnel, was deployed to Abyei in September 2024.

Despite harsh conditions and ongoing security challenges, the team has upgraded key roads, maintained helicopter airstrips, repaired schools, and provided medical and food support, particularly for teachers and students.

Since Vietnam began participating in the UN peacekeeping missions in 2014, it has sent over 1,100 personnel on peacekeeping missions to the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Abyei, and the UN headquarters.