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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia dominate nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his ruthlessness and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab 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.

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

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education 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—impoverished, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise 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 sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to guard the border with Libya.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

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

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

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia occurred on 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".

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

Initially, 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 unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Present Situation

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

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

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

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to control the entire country.

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

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