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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Now, his RSF militia control nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his determination and his vow to tear down the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Led 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 early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 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 astutely managed his rise to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his business venture al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

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

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

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

Turning on Allies

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

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

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned 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 unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and took control.

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

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

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

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against 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 formed a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory in western Sudan.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to control the entire country.

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

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