Vanuatu’s First Female Peacekeepers in a Decade for South Sudan

Oct 17, 2024 | News | 0

Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) Inspector Marie Japhet (MJ) and Sergeant Miltus Fomani Malliu are the first female peacekeepers in a decade and are preparing for the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

Inspector Japhet is the second-in-command of the contingent.

Sergeant Miltus Fomani Malliu (MFM), originally from the Solomon Islands, has made Vanuatu her home after marrying a man from Tongariki, one of the Shepherd Islands. Now, she’s preparing for a mission that will take her far beyond the Pacific Islands she knows so well. As one of six VPF officers selected for deployment to South Sudan and the border region of Abyei, she’s set to embark on a journey to one of the world’s most complex conflict zones—a mission with a date still to be confirmed.

In an interview with the Vanuatu Daily Post (VDP), Inspector Japhet and Sergeant Malliu shared insights from their careers, backgrounds, and thoughts on this important new assignment. Below are some of their reflections.

Inspector Japhet

Island: Paama, based in Emau.

VDP: Have you been on a peacekeeping mission before?

MJ: No, never.

VDP: Have you been out of the country before while on duty? International assignments or exchange programmes?

MJ: Yes, I was seconded to Samoa with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre for 12 months.

VDP: How do you feel about going to Africa?

MJ: I’m excited to deploy to Africa to serve in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as a policewoman, representing Vanuatu women and Vanuatu as a whole.

VDP: What are your coping mechanisms to help you while you are away from your family, friends, and country? What do you do to feel more comfortable in a foreign country?

MJ: Firstly, thanks to mobile technology, I’ll be able to connect and communicate daily with my family and friends via video calls. When I travel, I also read my Bible and pray. Sometimes, my family and I have evening devotion together when time allows.

VDP: After 10 years of being banned from UN peacekeeping, now being part of the first six in a decade, how does that make you feel?

MJ: As a policewoman, I am so proud that we two policewomen are part of the first six to deploy to the UN peacekeeping mission in Africa. I know there will be challenges, but I will rely on God to help me and the team serve professionally, with respect and dignity, to protect human rights and provide assistance to the community, ensuring peace prevails.

Sergeant Malliu

VDP: Have you been on a peacekeeping mission before?

MFM: No.

VDP: Have you been out of the country before while on duty? International assignments or exchange programmes?

MFM: Yes – I’ve had several international opportunities.

I spent 9 years (2004–2013) with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force as a police officer.

I participated in the Pacific Island Chief of Police Women’s Advisory Network, a month-long exchange programme in American Samoa in 2016.

I also had a 6-month secondment with the Pacific Island Chief of Secretariat in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2018.

VDP: How do you feel about going to Africa?

MFM:I feel excited but with mixed emotions as well. Peacekeeping in Africa is a complex mission. It involves addressing conflict and instability, but also understanding the local culture and environment. It is important for peacekeepers to approach this with empathy, respect, and a commitment to the well-being of the people we will be serving. This can be incredibly rewarding, but challenging too.

VDP: What are your coping mechanisms to help you while you are away from your family, friends, and country? What do you do to feel more comfortable in a foreign country?

MFM: Thanks to the Internet, life is easier, allowing regular communication with family and friends via social media. Most of our classmates in Indonesia already deployed last year to South Sudan, including those from Kiribati, Angola, Indonesia, and Vietnam, so I’m looking forward to reuniting with them. They will provide company and support to help me stay focused on the positive, reminding myself of the reasons I am away and the benefits it may bring.

VDP: After 10 years of being banned from UN peacekeeping, now being part of the first six in a decade, how does that make you feel?

MFM: First of all, I would like to acknowledge our Police Commissioner Mr. Robson Iavro for his vision and other government officials who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our police force is back on UN deployment. We appreciate you all. Representing Vanuatu in peacekeeping is a great honour and privilege, and I look forward to doing my very best to contribute to the mandated mission.

VDP: Tell us more about the selection process. How did they select six out of ten officers trained in Indonesia?

MFM: The training ran from May 22 to June 4, 2023. We covered experiences and case studies of previous UN missions, including core values, mandates of UN peacekeeping operations, practical report writing, combined language assessment, interviews, driving exercises, and range shooting. A crucial part of the training was passing the United Nations Police Combined Language Assessment, which included reading comprehension and audio comprehension (narrative and dialogue) related to mission stories, and passing the vehicle driving tests. Out of the ten of us from Vanuatu, only six passed the combined language assessment, and we proceeded to complete the remaining assessments. We were deemed competent by certified UN instructors from the Indonesian National Police and UN advisors from New York.

VDP: What are you expected to do on a peacekeeping mission, especially in a country like Sudan?

MFM: I’m not sure if my next posting will be to UNMISS (South Sudan) or UNISFA (Abyei)—it depends on the final assessments in the coming months. Each mission has its own mandate, but in general, it involves:

Maintaining peace and security: Supporting the restoration and maintenance of peace in conflict-affected areas.
Supporting host country police: Assisting in building or reforming national police forces, providing training, capacity building, and mentoring to ensure effective law enforcement.
Community policing: Emphasising community engagement to build trust between local communities and law enforcement agencies, fostering a sense of security.
Coordination with other UN agencies: Collaborating with other UN entities, NGOs, and local governments to address complex security challenges and humanitarian needs. Each UNPOL mission has its own unique objectives and challenges, which shape its specific mandate.

VDP: When are you leaving for Africa? Has the date been confirmed yet?

MFM: There is no confirmation of dates yet as we are still in the administrative process.

VDP: Could you tell us more about your experiences in Indonesia and how they can help you in your travels?

MFM: I am grateful and would like to acknowledge the Indonesian National Police for the opportunity to train with UN-certified instructors. The warm hospitality during our stay will be remembered, and their efforts will not go overlooked. “Terima kasih.”

VDP: As ambassadors and female officers in the Force, what words of assurance or encouragement can you offer to motivate those willing to follow in your footsteps?

MFM:As a female officer in peacekeeping and an ambassador for change, I would say:

Stay resilient: There will be obstacles, but perseverance is key. Every setback is a learning opportunity that will strengthen your resolve.
Believe in your impact: Every effort you make, no matter how small, contributes to a larger mission of peace. Your dedication can inspire others and create lasting change.
Pursue continuous learning: Stay curious and open to new ideas. Ongoing education and skill development will enhance your effectiveness and adaptability.
Embrace your strength: Your unique perspective and experiences are invaluable. Use them to foster understanding and build bridges in diverse environments.

Above all, remember that your commitment to peacekeeping is not just a career; it’s a profound contribution to humanity. Each step you take paves the way for future generations.

Your courage and determination will light the way for others.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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