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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his determination and his vow to tear down the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

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

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

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

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

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in attacking the village of Adwah in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

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 machine.

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

Later, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Formalizing Power

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

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

Regional Ambitions

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

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

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

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

Growing Power

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

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

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

As protests grew, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Current Conflict

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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 Khartoum. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted city-wide.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on al-Fasher.

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

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

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas west of the Nile.

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

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.