The prestigious award was presented to 10 individuals and one unit selected as the mission's most outstanding recipients following a rigorous review by the Awards and Commendations Committee of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Viet Nam's Engineering Company Rotation 4 was the only unit to receive the UNISFA Force Commander's Certificate of Commendation.
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Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai receives a letter of commendation from the Abyei authorities. |
The U9 Civil-Military Coordination (U9-CIMIC) Office, with Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai as acting head, has worked closely with units across Abyei, particularly Engineering Company Rotation 4, to implement practical projects addressing local needs and improving living conditions.
Projects that speak for themselves
The U9-CIMIC Office has become known at UNISFA for its close engagement with local communities. Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai encouraged his colleagues to stay close to the people, understand their circumstances and identify their most pressing needs. This approach enabled the office to advise on and develop civilian-military coordination plans that reflected local priorities and direct limited resources toward projects with the most immediate impact.
The unit also worked with Viet Nam's Engineering Company Rotation 4 to repair Banton Bridge, the only bridge on Abyei's main transportation route. Once restored, the bridge allowed traffic to resume, reconnecting communities and providing a safer corridor for relief operations.
The office also coordinated the upgrade of the Abyei-Agok road. The Engineering Company Rotation 4 completed the work in 85 days, improving transportation for local residents and enhancing the mobility of U.N. peacekeeping forces in the area.
At Minyang Primary School, the office's members and Vietnamese engineers repaired damage caused when a tornado tore off the school's roof and built 60 sets of desks and chairs, enabling hundreds of students to return to class.
Another major responsibility of the U9-CIMIC Office is coordinating the distribution of about one million liters of clean water each week across the mission area. In drought-stricken Abyei, water is an essential necessity and a potential source of arguments among communities. Transparent and equitable distribution has helped prevent tensions from escalating. No serious conflict related to water resources was recorded in Abyei during the 2026 dry season.
The unit also worked with the Indian Infantry Battalion to build a Community House for the Ngok Dinka people and plant 500 trees in Abyei, helping improve the local environment and strengthen ties between UNISFA and local communities.
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Vietnamese personnel providing clean water for the people of Abyei |
These efforts, together with Quick Impact Projects, mobile medical programs, humanitarian assistance and other community outreach activities, have helped improve living conditions and strengthen public trust in U.N. peacekeepers. Each project has made a practical contribution to easing the hardships faced by people in Abyei. The presence of blue berets in the conflict-affected area is increasingly trusted by local authorities and residents as positive changes help make their lives safer and better.
Overcoming challenges
Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai began his tour of duty in UNISFA in August 2025, when the mission was confronting a complex security situation, a prolonged humanitarian crisis and cuts to its operating budget. He anticipated a heavy workload as local communities had significant needs, while the unstable security environment required peacekeepers to remain ready to respond to crises and incidents involving civilians.
Those challenges became more acute in March 2026, when fighting erupted in Abiemnhom, South Sudan, forcing more than 4,000 people to flee to Abyei. Facing the threat of a humanitarian disaster, Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai advised on and directed the development of a plan to receive the influx of refugees. He coordinated with the Bangladesh Infantry Battalion, Indian Infantry Battalion and Nigerian Base Protection Company to urgently establish two civilian protection sites in Miokol and Wayeng.
In just over three weeks, an integrated civilian protection site capable of accommodating more than 2,000 people was completed at Miokol. Built on an empty plot of land, the site provided safe accommodation, clean water, basic medical care and essential supplies for refugees. The project received high praise, and Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai was presented with a letter of appreciation from the local authorities for his contribution to the humanitarian crisis response.
Despite staff reductions caused by financial constraints, the office continued to handle a heavy workload, requiring each officer to take on additional responsibilities. The demanding environment called for greater initiative, creativity and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Sr. Capt. Pham Phu Hai with children in Abyei |
The office also worked regularly with local authorities, U.N. agencies, humanitarian organizations, and military units from various countries to coordinate community assistance programs and strengthen trust between UNISFA and the people of Abyei.
Together with his colleagues, Capt. Hai overcame the challenges of serving in a land where peace remains elusive. He demonstrated the ability of a Viet Nam People's Army officer to advise, organize and coordinate effectively in a multinational environment, particularly during emergencies. His work has also helped promote the image of resilient, responsible, professional and compassionate Uncle Ho's Soldiers in the era of international integration, earning recognition and respect from international colleagues.
Translated by Tran Hoai