Vietnam Sends More Peacekeepers to South Sudan

(HO CHI MINH) – Vietnam has deployed additional personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations in South Sudan and Abyei, reinforcing its commitment to international peace and security.

On September 22, a departure ceremony was held at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to send off 63 personnel from the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 and 184 personnel from the Engineering Unit Rotation 4.

The troops will join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, who heads Vietnam’s steering committee for UN peacekeeping operations, presented the decision and handed the national flag to the departing units.

He highlighted Vietnam’s long standing commitment to peacekeeping, noting that over the past 11 years more than 1,300 officers and service members from the People’s Army and Public Security forces have been deployed to UN operations.

“These ‘blue berets’ have earned international recognition for their dedication, professionalism, and close engagement with local communities,” Chien said. “Their efforts have promoted the image of Vietnam and its people worldwide.”

Chien urged the deployed personnel to continue demonstrating solidarity and an international spirit while fulfilling their responsibilities to the Party, State, army, and people. He emphasised that the units must meet the increasingly high standards of the United Nations.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said all deployed personnel have completed extensive preparation, including technical and medical training. They are fully familiar with UN and mission regulations, the laws of host countries, Vietnamese law, and military discipline.

“Personnel are ready to perform the duties assigned to them in challenging environments,” Thang said. “Their professionalism ensures the safety and efficiency of operations in South Sudan and Abyei.”

Vietnamese peacekeepers have previously served in South Sudan as part of UNMISS, providing medical support, engineering services and logistical assistance. The new rotations will continue these roles, supporting the peacekeeping mission’s mandate to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and strengthen stability.

Vietnam Peacekeeping Deployment Details