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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a significant victory by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.

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

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

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 government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing 126 people, including dozens of minors.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head 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 sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, 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 new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

International Connections

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

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

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked 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 Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in the gold trade.

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

Turning on Allies

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

This backfired. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the 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.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and took control.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.

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

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

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, 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 the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

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

Alternatively, he may emerge as 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.