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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his promise to tear down the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering 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 burning, looting, and killing.

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

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

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to police the Libyan frontier.

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

In 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Pressed by international powers, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and took control.

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

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 mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

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

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

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

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

Sudanese speculate 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 businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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