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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a significant triumph by overrunning 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 loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

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

Early Career

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

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was part of this, implicated in attacking the village of Adwah in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

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

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 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 highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

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

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned 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.

Ongoing War

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

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.

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

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

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

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

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

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.