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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his determination and his vow to dismantle the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

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

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a contract to police the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked 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 strong alliance with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments 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 coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

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

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

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

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

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, commanding a vast network of interests.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.