Rwanda has deployed a contingent of military engineers to Jamaica to assist in reconstruction efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean in recent years.
The soldiers, drawn from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) engineering brigade specialising in construction and infrastructure rehabilitation, departed from Kigali International Airport on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
The deployment follows a bilateral cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica and is part of Rwanda’s contribution to international disaster response and humanitarian assistance.
Speaking to the troops before their departure, Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanised Infantry Division, who represented the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, called on the soldiers to uphold professionalism, discipline and technical excellence while executing their mission.
He stressed that the communities they will support must tangibly feel the positive impact of their work, noting that humanitarian missions are a reflection of Rwanda’s national values and global responsibility.
Brig Gen Tinka also highlighted the core values of the Rwanda Defence Force, particularly integrity and respect, describing them as the foundation of the institution.
“These values are what earned you this responsibility,” he said, urging the contingent to safeguard RDF principles throughout the mission.
Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean late last year, leaving a trail of destruction across several islands. In Jamaica alone, the storm reportedly killed more than 100 people and caused extensive damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure, prompting international assistance.
Mellisa is the first major hurricane to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1981, which claimed at least 49 lives. The storm also caused fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
According to the United States National Hurricane Center, Melissa was the strongest hurricane recorded globally in 2025, with wind speeds reaching up to 290 kilometres per hour.
The deployment highlights Rwanda’s expanding role beyond peacekeeping, as the RDF increasingly contributes to humanitarian operations and post-disaster reconstruction worldwide.
