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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

Hemedti's forces scored a significant victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his tenacity and his vow to dismantle the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking 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 late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a contract to police the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

In 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Ongoing War

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

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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 ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a parallel government, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.

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