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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

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

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 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 skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

Quickly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers 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, including in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

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

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out across the city.

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 genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his soldiers.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding a vast network of interests.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a world that does not care.