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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his tenacity and his pledge to tear down the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, neglected by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into military-owned companies, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out across the city.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.