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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his determination and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

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

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.