A contingent of military engineers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) returned home safely today after successfully completing a humanitarian mission in Jamaica. The team had been deployed for two months to support the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by the powerful Hurricane Melissa.

The RDF engineers were deployed under a bilateral cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting with the recovery of critical infrastructure destroyed by natural disasters.

During their deployment, the engineers worked closely with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and local authorities to repair residential houses and schools that were damaged by the cyclone.

Jamaica was among the countries hardest hit when Hurricane Melissa swept across the Caribbean region in late October 2025, leaving widespread destruction and prompting a large-scale humanitarian response.

The RDF engineering contingent played a vital role in accelerating recovery efforts by helping to repair homes of those affected.

Upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport, the engineers were received by Maj Gen Alex Kagame, Chief of Staff of the RDF Reserve Force who commended the contingent for the successful completion of their mission and for exhibiting professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty. He also thanked them for serving as exemplary ambassadors of Rwanda, noting that their conduct and commitment reflected the country’s values and strengthened Rwanda’s reputation abroad.

He emphasized that their efforts not only contributed significantly to the recovery of communities in Jamaica but also reinforced Rwanda’s image as a reliable partner in global humanitarian and disaster response initiatives.

Their successful deployment and safe return further highlight the growing partnership between Rwanda and Jamaica, while underscoring the importance of international cooperation in responding to natural disasters and rebuilding resilient communities.