Amidst growing financial constraints, scarce construction materials and challenging weather conditions, the Vietnamese Military Construction Engineer Company Rotation 4 (VMCEC4), working in collaboration Mission Support Division, Integrated Force Mobility Team and UNMAS, successfully rehabilitated the 37‑kilometre stretch Abyei–Agok road, a key supply route for communities in southern Abyei. The project was undertaken in close collaboration with the Juba Appointed Administration and local communities in the area.
An inauguration ceremony presided over by the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Ganesh Shrestha, joined by senior officials from the Abyei Administration, including Deputy Juba - Appointed Chief Administrator Brigadier General Arop Deng Kuol, was held on 22 April.
Major General Ganesh Shrestha commended the professionalism and dedication of the Vietnamese Engineers and acknowledged the strong support of mission partners and local authorities. Special appreciation was extended to the Juba - Appointed Chief Administrator for the logistical contribution, including the provision of dump trucks and over 600 truckloads of murram to reinforce critical sections of the road.
“This road is of strategic importance to the Mission and of profound value to the people of Abyei. It is a secure and reliable route which strengthens our operational reach, enabling effective patrols, timely responses, and a sustained presence across the area. At the same time, it improves civilian access to markets, essential services, and humanitarian assistance, reduces travel risks, and strengthens links between communities and institutions,” said Major General Shrestha. “This road stands as a visible symbol of UNISFA’s commitment to safety, connectivity, and lasting benefits for the people of Abyei,” he added.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Vietnamese Engineers also handed over 10 hospital beds to the Abyei Health Department, along with essential supplies to support vulnerable families and students.
Across Abyei, VMCEC4 is currently rehabilitating over 200 Kilometers of roads ahead of the seasonal rains, the construction is part of UNISFA’s efforts to protect civilians, increase access to communities and promote freedom of movement for peacekeepers, the local community and goods. It will enhance operational mobility for peacekeepers and improve access to markets, schools, healthcare, and humanitarian services, while reducing travel time and associated risks. This is especially critical during the seasonal rains which render most roads in Abyei impassable and isolates remote communities, increasing their vulnerability while disrupting access to humanitarian services and trade especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Beyond roads, VMCEC4 is undertaking camp construction, airfield and helipad maintenance, drainage systems, and rehabilitation of other infrastructure including the recent rehabilitation of the Banton bridge. The engineers also recently provided assistance to IDPs who were recently displaced from Abienhom in South Sudan erecting over 60 emergency shelters and providing other critical support.