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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control a vast expanse of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

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

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

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

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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

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

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Calculated Moves

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

Quickly, his business venture al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of 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 formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals deposed him.

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

Renewed Brutality

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

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

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

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it genocide.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and critical for 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 el-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding 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.