Vietnamese footprints on the land of Central Africa

Deployed for the first time to the MINUSCA mission in the Central African Republic, an armed peacekeeping area considered one of the most complex under the United Nations today, Vietnamese People's Public Security officers not only excellently fulfilled their assigned duties but also left a positive impression on their international colleagues. These quiet steps are contributing to affirming Vietnam's position, responsibility, and image in the journey of jointly contributing to global peacekeeping.

Paving the way at the new mission.

July 23, 2025 marks a special milestone in the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security 's journey in participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, as Task Force No. 6 officially received the President's decision to depart for its mission at MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.

This marks the first time the Vietnam People's Public Security Force has been deployed to an armed mission. This new assignment not only expands Vietnam's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations but also places higher demands on the professional competence, adaptability, and courage of each officer.

At the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung expressed his confidence and expectations with the wish: "Paving the way to victory at the new mission."

Task Force No. 6 officially received the President 's decision to depart for its mission at the MINUSCA Mission in the Central African Republic.

With that belief in mind, Vietnamese police officers set off for Central Africa, considered one of the most challenging and potentially risky areas within the United Nations peacekeeping mission system.

After nearly a year of carrying out their mission, the tireless efforts of the Vietnamese officers have been recognized by the international community. Task Force No. 6 was awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, an award given to individuals who have performed exceptionally well in the mission.

The medal is not only a recognition of the specific contributions of each officer but also a testament to the maturity of the Vietnam People's Public Security Force in a multinational, multicultural working environment with particularly stringent requirements.

According to assessments by international colleagues at MINUSCA, Vietnamese officers consistently demonstrate high discipline, professional conduct, and effective teamwork. This professionalism has enabled the Vietnamese police force to quickly integrate, build trust, and earn the respect of colleagues from many different countries.

From the Planning Department, the Police Training and Capacity Development Division, the Joint Operations Center to the Community Police Force, at every level, Vietnamese officers have demonstrated solid professional competence and a high sense of responsibility.

The Vietnamese United Nations Peacekeeping Police Force poses for a commemorative photo with the Head of the MINUSCA Mission.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quyen Chinh, Head of Task Force No. 6, said that all members consider it a great honor to be entrusted with this task by the Party, the State, and the Ministry of Public Security. Therefore, each officer is striving to quickly adapt to the new environment to best complete the assigned work.

The efforts of Vietnamese police officers were also recognized and highly appreciated by the MINUSCA mission leadership. Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the MINUSCA Mission, stated that, based on reports from the mission's police force, Vietnamese police officers have made many positive contributions to peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic.

According to Ms. Rugwabiza, the participation of Vietnamese officers has contributed to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment alongside United Nations peacekeeping forces, creating a foundation for cooperation and development in this African nation. The Head of MINUSCA Mission also affirmed that they will continue to facilitate the Vietnamese police officers in successfully fulfilling their assigned duties and making effective contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Head of the MINUSCA Mission.

Vietnamese resilience in a harsh land.

Unlike many other missions, MINUSCA is an armed mission. The police officers participating in the mission are armed to ensure their personal safety and security during their work.

However, the difficulties in Central Africa stem not only from the specific demands of the mission. The harsh climate, with temperatures sometimes reaching 45 degrees Celsius, a dry season lasting for months without rain, and inadequate living conditions are all significant challenges. In addition, there are constant risks from armed conflict, disease, robbery, and surprise attacks.

Major Pham Minh Dat, a Vietnamese police officer currently serving at MINUSCA, shared that the most important thing for each officer is to always be mentally prepared to respond to any situation that may arise during the performance of their duties.

Major Pham Minh Dat at MINUSCA.

Amidst these challenging conditions, Vietnamese officers persevered in their assigned areas, conducting patrols, supporting the community, participating in security activities, and building trust with the local people.

Seemingly ordinary actions such as chatting with the public, assisting children in temporary shelters, or participating in community activities have contributed to spreading the friendly and humane image of Vietnamese police officers.

Behind the stressful working hours are simple shared meals at the mission. For those serving tens of thousands of kilometers from home, it's not just a time for rest, but also an opportunity to share and encourage each other to overcome difficulties.

Major Bui Manh Tien is giving a presentation to the people in Toumou village, Birao.

Major Bui Manh Tien stated that the greatest motivation for him and his colleagues to overcome all challenges is their responsibility to the nation and to the tasks assigned by the Party, the State, and the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security.

That spirit has helped Vietnamese officers continuously strive to successfully complete their missions, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's prestige in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

From South Sudan to Central Africa, from familiar territories to new and challenging lands, the footprint of the Vietnam People's Public Security Force is increasingly imprinted on the world peacekeeping map.

Thousands of kilometers away from their homeland, Vietnamese police officers in uniform are silently dedicating themselves, overcoming difficulties and dangers to fulfill their noble mission for the peace, stability, and happiness of the international community.

Recognition from UN leaders is not only a reward for the efforts of each officer serving on the front lines of peacekeeping, but also a testament to the increasingly affirmed prestige of the Vietnam People's Public Security Force on the international stage. From the still unstable regions of Africa, the image of Vietnamese police officers—courageous, professional, responsible, and humane—is contributing to spreading the message of a peace-loving Vietnam, ready to join hands with the international community for the stability and sustainable development of humanity.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/nhung-dau-chan-viet-บน-vung-dat-trung-phi.html