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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant triumph by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his tenacity and his pledge to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the government of then-President Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. 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.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

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

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort 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.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

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

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 in western Sudan.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

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

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, commanding a vast network of interests.

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