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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his RSF militia dominate a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable victory by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

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

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya clan 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 family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

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 a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

International Connections

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

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

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

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed 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, assaulted females, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Ongoing War

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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 US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on 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", taking the chairmanship.

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

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations committed by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.