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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a major triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Initial Ventures

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

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

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

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

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine 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 official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF recruiting centers 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, particularly in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out across the city.

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

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

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

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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