Celebrating the early spring in Abyei

Amidst the swirling red dust and scorching sun of the Abyei region, the final days of the year become even busier for the Vietnamese blue beret soldiers serving in peacekeeping missions there, as they prepare for the traditional Lunar New Year. In the barracks of the 4th Engineering Team of Vietnam at the United Nations Interim Security Mission in Abyei (UNISFA), the atmosphere of preparing for the traditional New Year is permeating everywhere.

Amidst the scorching heat of Abyei, the spring atmosphere and colors were created by the skillful hands of the green beret soldiers. Each paper branch of peach and apricot blossoms was meticulously cut and pasted. Red couplets were hung up. The field kitchen buzzed with laughter as officers and soldiers gathered to wrap sticky rice cakes using wild banana leaves instead of the traditional dong leaves used back home.

Green sticky rice cakes are wrapped in African wild banana leaves by the soldiers in their green berets. Photo: HAI YEN

Amidst the hustle and bustle of work, those moments of preparing for Tet become a source of spiritual support, helping soldiers alleviate homesickness, strengthen their bonds with comrades, and appreciate even more the value of a peaceful Tet holiday.

Instructing international friends on how to wrap banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes). Photo: HAI YEN

For many young officers and soldiers celebrating Tet away from their homeland for the first time, this is a special Tet. It may not be as lavish as in their hometowns, but it is warm with camaraderie and the feeling of working together to create a meaningful spring in a place where they are jointly preserving peace .

International friends enjoy making Vietnamese banh chung (traditional rice cakes). Photo: HAI YEN

For young soldiers like Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien, of the Logistics and Support Detachment, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) away from their homeland for the first time, this spring is truly special. He and his comrades are responsible for decorating the barracks, bringing the Tet atmosphere back to the unit. "I miss the taste of my mother's pickled onions, I miss the characteristic biting cold of my northern homeland," he shared nostalgically, reminiscing about Tet in his hometown.

Amidst the bustling preparations for the Lunar New Year, the "rice cake diplomacy " plan of the 4th Engineering Battalion promises to bring a delightful surprise to international friends who come to celebrate Tet at the unit. During the days leading up to the New Year, many officers and soldiers from other countries are invited to visit the 4th Engineering Battalion's barracks to learn about the traditional Vietnamese Tet customs.

On hastily spread tarpaulins, African wild banana leaves are washed and neatly arranged. Sticky rice, mung beans, and pork are carefully prepared. International friends are guided on how to wrap banh chung (Vietnamese rice cakes) and can wrap their own cakes, embodying the rich traditional culture of Vietnam. Although the banh chung wrapped in wild banana leaves are a lighter green than those from their homeland, they retain the authentic traditional flavor. Banh chung will become a "cultural ambassador" in Tet (Vietnamese New Year) exchange activities with international friends at the UNISFA Mission, contributing to showcasing the image of a friendly and hospitable Vietnam and its people.

Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien decorates a peach blossom branch for Tet (Lunar New Year). Photo: HAI YEN

Beside the simmering pot of sticky rice cakes, stories about the Lunar New Year and the meaning of family reunion were shared in various languages. International friends excitedly took photos with paper peach blossoms, tried tying the strings to wrap the cakes, and tasted the hot sticky rice cakes, all expressing their delight at the simple yet rich flavor of this traditional Vietnamese dish.

It was these moments that blurred the cultural divide between the green beret soldiers from many countries. The Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) became a cultural bridge, fostering friendship and contributing to spreading the friendly and distinctive image of the Vietnamese soldiers to friends from other countries who are also carrying out the peacekeeping mission in Abyei.

For the officers and soldiers of Engineering Team No. 4, celebrating the Lunar New Year in Abyei is inseparable from their duties. In the days leading up to Tet, the sounds of road rollers and excavators continue rhythmically on key roads and construction sites. For the officers and soldiers of Engineering Team No. 4, completing their main mission is the most practical way to celebrate Tet.

Over the past year, the unit has focused on repairing and reinforcing many local roads and important infrastructure projects, especially the Banton Bridge – a vital transportation artery in the area. These previously muddy and impassable roads have been cleared, ensuring the safety of peacekeeping forces and facilitating local residents' access to clean water and essential goods.

The students of Abyei happily waved the Vietnamese flag. Photo: HAI YEN

Vietnamese soldiers in blue berets are spreading the Tet (Lunar New Year) spirit through simple yet meaningful actions, sharing the warmth of spring with the children of Abyei. Taking advantage of breaks between construction periods, the 4th Engineering Team assisted in renovating the grounds of Abyei Junior High School, leveling the schoolyard, and repairing pathways for students.

The sight of massive engineering vehicles working diligently in front of the classroom, so that the children no longer have to wade through dusty roads or potholes, left a deep impression on the local authorities and residents. For them, it was not just material assistance, but also a spring gift of faith and hope.

Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Services, Kon Maneit Matiok, expressed his gratitude: “You not only bring security, but also a future. The renovation of the school is a priceless gift, a testament to the noble spirit of the Vietnamese soldiers.”

Although the spring atmosphere was already present in every corner of the barracks, the 4th Engineering Team maintained a strict combat readiness duty, ensuring absolute safety for the base and the area under its responsibility. Weapons and equipment were always in a state of readiness; vehicles were meticulously maintained to be able to move in any situation.

Celebrating Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in the hot Abyei region, the Vietnamese soldiers in blue berets not only bring the spirit of spring from their homeland, but also discipline, courage, and the highest sense of responsibility. Amidst the harsh African landscape, a Vietnamese Tet is present – ​​a Tet of faith, sharing, and pride for the soldiers who silently safeguard peace in this unstable land.

According to the People's Army Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/don-xuan-som-o-abyei-post893086.html