Vietnamese peacekeepers return home from South Sudan

Heading to South Sudan to undertake the international mission since the Covid-19 epidemic hadn’t yet broken out, Vietnamese soldiers became the frontline force against Covid-19 in the country.

Malie Nguyen

Dieuhuong270198@gmail.com April 25, 2021 | 07:42

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Vietnamese peacekeepers return home from South Sudan

Photo: Zing News

On the early morning of April 24, the Royal Australian Air Force's transport plane C-17, landed at Noi Bai International Airport, carrying 38 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations coming back from South Sudan, Zing News reported.

Photo: Zing News

Vietnamese soldiers returned to Vietnam after 17 months of service in Africa. They are members of the Level 2 Field Hospital No.2 serving at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

Photo: Zing News

Before leaving for South Sudan in November 2019, Vietnamese peacekeepers didn’t think that the Covid-19 epidemic would be rampant around the world which caused their working time in South Sudan longer than expected.

Photo: Zing News

Soldiers return home with the national flag, the UN flags and picture of Uncle Ho.

Photo: Zing News

Major General Hoang Kim Phung, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said he really wanted to but couldn’t shake hands with each soldier due to the Covid-19 safety regulations. He said the department would encourage and reward officers and soldiers after they complete their quarantine time.

Photo: Zing News

Talking to Zing News, Lieutenant Colonel Vo Van Hien, Director of the Level 2 Field Hospital No.2 said he and other soldiers experienced a difficult time in South Sudan due to the Covid-19 epidemic. South Sudan is a poor country with an underdeveloped health system, so, Vietnamese soldiers became the frontline force against the pandemic here.

Photo: Zing News

"It’s encouragement from our families and colleagues in Vietnam that help us to surmount the difficulties and accomplish our mission”, Lieutenant Colonel Hien said.

Photo: Zing News

Soldiers were transported to the airport’s terminal to complete immigration procedures. They then will be centralized quarantine for 14 days.

Previously, on April 21 morning, at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the farewell ceremony was held for 24 Vietnamese soldiers at the Level-2 Field Hospital No. 3 heading to South Sudan to undertake the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

Before leaving for South Sudan, they were trained to conduct medical emergencies and drive armored vehicles.

On March 24, 33 soldiers at the Level-2 Field Hospital No. 3 also headed to South Sudan. They safely landed at Juba International Airport two days later. After completing the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine, they arrived at Bentiu base and officially assumed their duties from April 17.

Vietnamese officials in South Sudan have recently received recognition and high appreciation from the United Nations and international friends for their fruitful contribution to the UN-led peacekeeping mission.

Lieutenant Colonel Stéphane Pierrat, UN-affiliated advisor to the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, said that Vietnamese peacekeeping force was capable of responding to all UN requirements. His evaluation was based on Vietnamese peacekeepers’ support to not only the army but also local people.

“I learn that the UN highly appreciates Vietnam’s contribution. I see Vietnamese officers who have fulfilled their mission returning to Vietnam with a bright smile. I also see those departing to South Sudan are all smiley as they say goodbye. They must take great pride in undertaking the mission”, Pierrat was quoted by Bao Tin Tuc.

As of June 2014, Vietnam has set up three field hospitals level 2 in South Sudan. The first two hospitals have accomplished their mission and sent officers home while the third one is about to welcome another 24 peacekeepers in the next few days.

“Vietnam’s mission in South Sudan is exemplary in medical aid, especially in the context of the current epidemic challenge”, Major Adam R. Lulay, Bilateral Affairs Officer from the US Officer of Defense Cooperation, said.

During the Covid-19 pandemic time, Vietnamese peacekeepers have been strictly abiding by anti-pandemic regulations in South Sudan. One female officer earlier made 800 face masks for officers.

Along with performing tasks given by the UN, Vietnamese peacekeepers also extend helps to local people by means of humanitarian activities, including raising and teaching children, giving locals gardening tips, etc.

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Malie Nguyen