In the region, the patrol teams are on duty without holidays or weekends. They work tirelessly to ensure security and safety for local people.
Senior Captain Nguyen Tien Thanh, a military observer and member of the joint patrol force in Todach, held that Amiet Market is Abyei’s largest trading hub, home to over 70% of the Northern region’s population. The area’s religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity poses significant challenges to patrol teams in addressing issues in the area.
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Senior Captain Vu Quang Khai conducts patrol in the region. |
Language barrier further challenges the patrol teams. Senior Captain Nguyen Tien Thanh noted that to meet the task requirements, Vietnamese blue berets have to learn and improve their skills and experience.
The UNISFA headquarters and local administrative offices are located in the Central region. In this area, the mission has deployed two patrol teams, including one at Dokura Base, where Senior Captain Nguyen Lan Anh serves as the only Vietnamese female police officer in Abyei. As a community outreach police officer, she plays a vital role in raising community protection forces and local residents’ awareness of laws.
During patrols, Senior Captain Nguyen Lan Anh actively collects information about locals’ needs, thereby educating locals on laws, environmental protection, and gender equality. The joint efforts of patrol teams have contributed to maintaining security and social order in the region.
Besides, she also disseminates laws to raise public awareness of fire prevention, disease prevention and control, and environmental protection, while also training locals in waste sorting and plastic recycling. Her practical activities have significantly supported local people and been highly valued by UNISFA leaders.
Southern Abyei remains a security and social order flashpoint, where U.N. peacekeeping force plays an important role in protecting civilians. Senior Captain Vu Quang Khai, Chief of the Military Observer Station in Banton, is working in the region. The area faces severe security challenges, including ethnic and religious conflicts, cattle raids, kidnappings, and armed attacks, threatening locals’ lives.
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Senior Captain Nguyen Lan Anh disseminates laws to local people. |
With Southern Abyei under heightened security alerts, Senior Captain Vu Quang Khai is responsible for grasping situations, building plans for joint patrols, and making recommendations to ensure safety for local residents.
He also develops emergency response plans to safeguard observer teams, ensuring the success of their assigned missions.
UNISFA operates across three regions (North, Central, and South) with 10 joint patrol teams and one independent patrol unit covering the Abyei area.
These teams conduct land and aerial patrols, control armed group activities, gather information, and disseminate information to raise public awareness, among others.
After each patrol, joint patrol teams report on security, safety, and humanitarian support to the UNISFA headquarters. Their mission often involves high risks and harsh conditions.
Amiet Market, located in Todach Base, Northern region, remains a major security flashpoint, accounting for 80% of reported cases.
The operations of UNISFA joint patrol teams not only reinforce the U.N.’s presence but also help build trust and ensure security and stability for local people.
Translated by Minh Anh