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

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his determination and his pledge to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

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 family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Calculated Moves

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

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

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

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

By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

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

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation 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 refused.

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

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

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations committed by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.

And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.