Vietnamese peacekeepers at UNISFA build good relationship with local community

Việt Nam Peacekeeping Forces at the UNISFA Mission contributed to boat repairs for the people of Mijak village. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — As part of the vibrant celebrations for the 79th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army (December 22) and the 34th anniversary of the National Defence Festive Day (December 22), the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Forces at the UNISFA Mission undertook a series of impactful activities in the central Abyei area.

To foster strong ties and mutual assistance between the Việt Nam People’s Army and the local community, the Mission orchestrated various events. In December 2023, the Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers dedicated weekends to grading and levelling the grounds of Comboni Secondary School, as well as excavating and installing gas and oil tanks for five local gas stations. Responding enthusiastically to the initiative, the Corps also conducted surveys, repairs, and road constructions in administrative and residential zones, facilitating convenient movement for local government officials and residents. Additionally, they contributed to boat repairs for the people of Mijak village.

On December 16, 2023, the Việt Nam Peace Enforcement Force at the UNISFA Mission collaborated with local authorities to host medical examinations and distribute medicines for civil servants and employees from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Finance in the Abyei Centre area. To ensure the success of the medical outreach, the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Force implemented a comprehensive communication strategy, including the production and placement of propaganda posters.

This effort drew the participation of doctors from Ghana’s Field Hospital level 2+, local medical professionals and numerous volunteers. The Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers further provided generator systems, specialised medical equipment, and cooling fan systems to maintain clinic operations in the hot weather conditions of the Abyei area. Approximately 250 officials and employees of local government agencies, including the Minister of Health and the Mayor of Abyei region, registered for the medical examinations.

Major Nguyễn Mậu Vũ, political commissar of the Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers, emphasised the significance of these activities, stating: “All of these activities demonstrate the nature and good traditions of the army and the spirit of ‘Helping friends is helping ourselves.’”

The Việt Nam Border Guard force is deeply committed to these principles, prioritising humanitarian activities to assist local authorities and residents to the best of their ability, he said.

These activities represent a concrete and meaningful expression of celebration for the 79th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army and the 34th anniversary of the National Defence Festival.

Looking ahead, as part of the commemorative activities, the Corps of Engineers has scheduled a sports race at the Highway base on the morning of December 22. This event, featuring units and agencies from the Mission, will include various contents such as the men’s 5,000m run, women’s 3,000m, and coordinated events for both men and women. The objective is to enhance the health, solidarity and mutual support among the peacekeeping forces at the UNISFA Mission. — VNS