Rwanda has an army of just 32,000 troops and 34 tanks, yet it hasn't stopped them from competing with the Wagner Group in Mali.

The African nation of Rwanda boasts an army of 32,000 soldiers, equipped with only 34 tanks of various types. However, this has not deterred them from competing for a presence in Mali alongside the Russian PMC "Wagner," which has rebranded itself as the "African Corps."

This is indeed an intriguing detail regarding the current Russian military presence in Africa, as the relationship between Russia and Rwanda is not openly conflictual.

Polish portal Defence24 outlines the fact that Rwanda is entering a "market" previously monopolized by Russian mercenaries from PMC "Wagner." It is noted that Rwanda is utilizing its own regular troops to establish a presence in Mali while attempting to control several economic sectors, including mining, agriculture, food production, and services.

The competition between Rwanda and PMC "Wagner" in Mali benefits the Rwandan government as it leads to a "diversification" of entities assisting Malians in their fight against various terrorist groups.

Moreover, the competition between Rwanda and PMC "Wagner" could extend to the Democratic Republic of the Congo: according to some reports, "Wagner" operatives are assisting the DRC government forces, while Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group.

At this point, Defense Express elaborates that it is difficult to label the direct relations between Russia and Rwanda as conflictual, but there is certainly at least one exotic detail involved.

According to reports from some media outlets, in January 2024, "Rosoboronexport" purchased 300 kilograms of cash in US dollars from Rwanda, with a nominal value of 29 million dollars. This step was necessary due to the difficulties Russians face in accessing cash from Western currencies due to sanctions.

When detailing the Rwandan armed forces, the Military Balance 2024 handbook states that last year, the country had a defense budget equivalent to 165 million dollars. The ground forces are organized into four infantry divisions and one artillery brigade, equipped with 24 T-54/55 tanks and 10 Tiran-5 (Israeli modification of T-55), up to 200 armored vehicles of various types, and 177 artillery systems of different types, including 115 mortars of 81 mm and 120 mm calibers, five MLRS types LAR-160 and RM-70, five 155-mm self-propelled guns ATMOS 2000, and 12 self-propelled guns of 122-mm caliber of various types, along with 35 towed artillery systems of 122-mm and 152-mm calibers.

The Air Force consists of 1,000 personnel and is equipped with two Cessna 208EX Grand Caravan aircraft, five Mi-24 helicopters, 11 Mi-17 helicopters, and one helicopter each of types AW109 and AW139.