Accompanied by the uplifting melody of the iconic song “As if Uncle Ho were with us on Victory Day”, Vietnamese peacekeepers and Abyei residents came together in joyful dances that transcended language and culture.

This humanitarian activity was part of the celebration leading up to the 81st anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army. It took place on December 15 at the Catholic Church compound and surrounding residential areas in Abyei, under the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Hundreds of gift packages - including daily essentials, school supplies, and clothing - were personally delivered to local residents and children. Many of the clothing items were heartfelt donations sent from Vietnamese citizens back home.

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Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son, Deputy Commander of Engineering Unit Rotation 4, presents school supplies to children in Abyei. Photo: Engineering Unit

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son shared that the unit organized the program with deep gratitude and sincerity.

“We always carry in our hearts President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching: ‘Helping the people of a friendly nation is helping ourselves,’” he said.

Catholic priest Archangelo Michael, representing the Abyei Catholic Church, expressed his gratitude and admiration for the Vietnamese soldiers:

“We see in the Vietnamese soldiers not only strength and protection, but also unconditional love through their actions. They bring children not only books and school supplies, but also faith in a brighter future. The people of Abyei consider these soldiers not just friends, but family.”

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Local children wave Vietnamese flags on gift-giving day. Photo: Engineering Unit

Residents also voiced heartfelt thanks to the Vietnamese peacekeepers. Children waved Vietnamese flags, their faces beaming with joy beside the blue beret troops, painting an emotional and unforgettable scene.

Despite having been deployed for less than three months, Engineering Unit Rotation 4 has already made a strong impression through their contributions - both in fulfilling UNISFA assignments and actively supporting the local community.

A standout achievement is their repair and upgrade of the Banton Bridge - an essential transport route vital to the area’s security and socio-economic development.

These technical contributions, combined with humanitarian outreach, have fostered a powerful bond of trust and affection between Vietnamese peacekeepers and the people of Abyei.

The 184-member Engineering Unit Rotation 4 consists of personnel drawn from the Air Defense – Air Force and Navy Forces, Military Regions 1 through 4, Army Corps 12, and specialized branches including Combat Engineers, Special Forces, Signal Corps, as well as the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other affiliated agencies.

They departed for Abyei on September 26 to replace Engineering Unit Rotation 3 and continue Vietnam’s peacekeeping mission under the UN.

Abyei is a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan. In 2011, both nations signed an agreement to demilitarize the zone and establish joint mechanisms to manage the region, though little substantive progress has been made.

UNISFA was established in 2011 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 with a mandate to protect civilians and promote demilitarization in Abyei.

Tran Thuong