Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien, from the Logistics and Support Platoon, stated that this spring is special as he and his comrades directly took charge of decorating, bringing the spirit of Tet to the unit. Using colored paper and available materials, soldiers meticulously crafted vibrant cherry blossom branches, creating a hometown atmosphere amidst a land of sun and sand.

Without dong leaves for banh chung, the troops used African wild banana leaves instead. The different ingredients required an adjustment in the wrapping method. The cakes had a lighter green color, but the rice remained sticky and the filling flavorful, preserving the traditional Tet taste despite being far from home.

Engineering Company 4 also hosted "banh chung diplomacy", inviting peacekeeping forces from several countries stationed in the area to join in wrapping and enjoying the traditional Vietnamese dish.

Vietnamese peacekeepers instruct Indian and Zambian officers on making banh chung. *Hai Yen*

Alongside Tet celebrations, the unit continued its professional duties. Upon arrival in Abyei, Engineering Company 4 repaired Banton Bridge, a crucial transportation route in the area, along with several dilapidated local roads. These vital connections facilitate movement for peacekeepers and local residents in a region with ongoing security risks.

Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, Commander of Engineering Company 4, stated that many roads were previously just dirt tracks, dusty in the dry season and muddy in the wet season, hindering supply efforts. In the days leading up to Tet, as water trucks could reach residential areas thanks to the newly improved roads, local children ran after them, cheering upon seeing the convoy. He described it as a moment that made the engineer soldiers forget their fatigue.

Beyond infrastructure work, during breaks between major construction phases, the unit also renovated the grounds of a secondary school in Abyei. Playgrounds and classroom entrances were leveled, ensuring students no longer had to navigate uneven, dusty red ground.

Colonel Alexander De Lima, Chief of Staff for UNISFA's military forces, praised the Vietnamese engineering force's work ethic and professionalism, noting that their projects improved the mission's overall living conditions.

Children at a school in Abyei express joy as the Vietnamese Engineering Company arrives to distribute gifts. *Hai Yen*

The commander of Engineering Company 4 stated that while the new year preparations were lively, security remained the top priority. The unit maintained a 100% combat readiness posture. Even during the year-end feast, weapons were positioned according to regulations, ensuring base security in a complex environment.

Abyei is a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan. Vietnam began deploying engineering forces to the UNISFA Mission in 5/2022. By 5/2025, over 1,100 Vietnamese officers and personnel had participated in peacekeeping operations at missions in Central Africa, South Sudan, Abyei, and United Nations Headquarters.

Son Ha