Vietnamese peacekeepers serving with the Vietnam Military Construction Engineering Contingent‑IV (VMCEC‑IV) were awarded United Nations Medals on 14 July 2026, in recognition of their dedicated service, professionalism and significant contribution to peace and security in Abyei.
The Medal Parade Ceremony was presided over by Major General Ganesh Shrestha, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, and attended by a Vietnamese National Defence Delegation led by Senior Colonel Tan Phong Pham, contingent commanders, and representatives of the Abyei authorities and traditional leaders.
Major General Shrestha commended VMCEC‑IV for its outstanding performance since its arrival in the Mission Area on 27 September 2025. As UNISFA’s only engineering unit, the contingent has delivered essential support across the Mission Area of operations, strengthening operational readiness, improving mobility, and enabling the implementation of the mandate.
He praised their remarkable technical competence, resilience, and commitment, noting that the engineers routinely worked beyond regular hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet demanding requirements.
Addressing the medal recipients who included military staff officers, military observers, and UN Police, Major General Shrestha said the award reflects their “unwavering dedication, professionalism, and selfless service to the Mission. He emphasized that the medal symbolizes their contribution to peace, security, development, and hope for the people of Abyei. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations to all medal recipients, whose service has brought pride to their nation and contributed meaningfully to sustaining peace in Abyei.
Among VMCEC‑IV’s notable achievements, the Acting Head of Mission/ Force Commander highlighted the rehabilitation and upgrade of Banton Bridge, describing it as “much more than a structure”, and “vital lifeline for communities, humanitarian agencies, and UNISFA operations, especially during the rainy season.” The contingent also rehabilitated and maintained 97.7 km of Main Supply Routes, including the 37‑km UNISFA Headquarters to Agok Road, significantly improving access for food, fuel, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
VMCEC‑IV’s work has earned appreciation from the Government of South Sudan, the Abyei Special Administrative Area, and local leaders. Major General Shrestha commended the Vietnamese peacekeepers as exemplary ambassadors of their country, noting their professionalism, discipline, respect for communities, and spirit of cooperation.
