A contingent of engineers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) returned to the country on Monday, March 16, 2026, after completing a humanitarian mission in Jamaica.
The soldiers arrived at Kigali International Airport where they were warmly received by senior military officials, including Alex Kagame.
During the reception, Alex Kagame commended the troops for their dedication, professionalism and discipline throughout the mission, noting that they had represented Rwanda with distinction abroad.
The specialized RDF engineering unit had been deployed to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean island, damaging homes, roads and key infrastructure and leaving many residents without shelter.
During their 60-day deployment, which began on January 15, 2026, the Rwandan engineers worked closely with Jamaican authorities and local communities to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
Their work focused on restoring essential services and helping affected communities recover from the devastating impact of the hurricane.Their efforts were widely praised by the Jamaica Defence Force.
The force’s commander, Antonette Wemyss Gorman, expressed appreciation for the professionalism and conduct displayed by the Rwandan troops during their stay.“It is something to be proud of and truly appreciated,” she said, adding that the soldiers worked closely with local communities to identify urgent needs and assist in rebuilding efforts.
The mission highlights Rwanda’s growing role in international humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
By deploying skilled military engineers to support recovery efforts thousands of kilometres away, Rwanda continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable partner in global relief operations and solidarity with countries affected by natural disasters.
