The Vietnamese Engineering Unit 3 began its mission with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in September 2024. As the rainy season ended, Abyei was left with muddy, impassable roads, severely hindering transportation for both peacekeepers and locals. The unit's first order upon arrival was to restore these vital transportation routes.

On 3/10/2024, just a week after arriving, the unit's sub-units began work on five key routes: Abyei - Banton Bridge (8 km), Banton Bridge - Athony (8 km), Athony - Athony intersection (8 km), Banton Bridge - Agok (20 km), and Agok - Agok town and airport (7 km). By the end of November, all 54 km were open to traffic, enabling the transport of essential goods, fuel, and technical equipment.

Beyond immediate repairs, the unit proactively secured permission to utilize 18 soil mines along the routes. This ensured a sustainable supply of materials for upgrading roadbeds, digging drainage ditches, and installing culverts, enabling vehicle movement even during the next rainy season.

After three deployments, the Vietnamese Engineering Unit is well-equipped to carry out its mission in Abyei. Photo: Engineering Unit

After three deployments, the Vietnamese Engineering Unit is well-equipped to carry out its mission in Abyei. Photo: Engineering Unit

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hong Giang, Commander of Engineering Sub-unit 2, recalled the biggest challenge: the 8 km stretch from the Athony intersection to the South Sudan border. This area, unstable due to the presence of armed groups, remained inaccessible throughout the 2024-2025 dry season. Construction began only in June 2025, after the first rains, requiring the unit to mobilize all its forces and coordinate with the Ghanaian infantry battalion for security.

"In just two weeks, the road was completed, connecting Abyei town to the Km31 border," he said.

The roads were not just cleared but also upgraded. Roadbeds were raised by 40-60 cm, widths increased from 8 m to 12 m, and tens of kilometers of drainage channels were dug. Tens of thousands of cubic meters of earth and sand were moved to mitigate flooding and mud. As a result, the number of vehicles stuck during the 2025 rainy season decreased significantly.

Vietnamese troops dredge canals and ditches to prevent flooding for Abyei residents. Photo: Engineering Unit

Vietnamese troops dredge canals and ditches to prevent flooding for Abyei residents. Photo: Engineering Unit

With the rainy season isolating bases and necessitating helicopter resupply, the unit was tasked with restoring roads connecting Tajalei, Leu, Marial Achak, and Rumamier. These routes, spanning tens of kilometers through dense forests far from the main base, presented logistical challenges. Close coordination with the Ghanaian battalion, providing security and lending motorcycles and equipment, proved crucial. This collaboration expedited the project, completing all routes ahead of schedule. From December 2024 to April 2025, 114 km of patrol and branch roads were finished.

In addition to these remote routes, the unit maintained 10 km of perimeter and internal roads at UNISFA headquarters, a task previously handled by civilian contractors who were then on strike.

For the first time, the Engineering Unit 3 undertook upgrading a helipad using K-31 chemical, a new technology with no established guidelines. Initial trials resulted in a dust-covered helipad due to incorrect mixing ratios. "We learned by doing, through trial and error. At one point, the entire helipad was covered in dust. We regrouped, recalculated, and patiently started over," recounted Lieutenant Colonel Le Cat Lam, a member of the construction team.

After repeated attempts, the unit found the right formula, creating a dust- and water-resistant surface, eliminating the need for daily watering in the Sudanese desert. The main airport also received surface repairs, crack sealing, and drainage maintenance, ensuring continuous safe operation.

The Engineering Unit distributes gifts and organizes a celebration for Abyei children on International Children's Day. Photo: Engineering Unit

The Engineering Unit distributes gifts and organizes a celebration for Abyei children on International Children's Day. Photo: Engineering Unit

On 23/6, construction began on two 36 x 28 x 8.2 m strategic warehouses. The rainy season presented soft ground and frequent interruptions. The unit adapted by breaking down tasks and increasing work hours, delivering the project on time and to specifications on 20/9/2025, despite the harsh conditions.

Beyond UNISFA support, the unit contributed to community projects: dredging canals, installing flood-prevention culverts, building access roads, and collaborating with MSF hospital to level the cholera isolation area and build internal roads. These efforts improved local living conditions and healthcare access.

Captain Hoang Huu Cong Thanh, Civil-Military Coordination Assistant, shared that joy often came from the bright eyes of children receiving new notebooks or the smiles of mothers accessing clean water. "Abyei children run around the camp calling out 'Vietnam, Vietnam'. That's our greatest reward," he said.

On 7/4, the unit received commendations from UNISFA's Engineering Section and Smart Camp Project Management Office. After a year, Engineering Unit 3 completed 101 of 108 assigned tasks, with the remaining seven on track. The unit is currently handing over responsibilities to Engineering Unit 4, which is scheduled to arrive in Abyei on 22/9.

Son Ha