The deployment is taking place under a bilateral cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica that provides for support in disaster response and post-crisis reconstruction. The RDF said the engineers will focus on repairing essential infrastructure, including roads, public buildings and other facilities critical to community recovery.

Before their departure, the engineers were briefed by Brig. Gen. Faustin Tinka, Commander of the RDF Mechanized Division, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff. He called on the personnel to carry out their mission with professionalism and technical competence, stressing the importance of delivering tangible benefits to affected communities.

He also underscored the role of discipline and institutional values in guiding the force’s operations, saying these principles have contributed to the RDF’s growing participation in international support missions.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction across several Caribbean territories, with Jamaica among the hardest-hit countries. The storm damaged transport networks, disrupted public services and displaced thousands of residents, prompting a multi-agency humanitarian response involving both regional and international partners.

Rwanda has in recent years increased its engagement in international cooperation efforts, including peacekeeping missions and disaster response operations, as part of its broader foreign policy and security partnerships.