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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia control around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his determination and his promise to tear down the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including dozens of minors.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

In 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 modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.

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, nicknaming him himayti.

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

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

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

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

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

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

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

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, 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 national military.

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

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

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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