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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable victory 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 followers for his determination and his vow to overthrow the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying 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 responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over 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 asked for and received official recognition as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

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

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

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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 genocide.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

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

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

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

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

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

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

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