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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Now, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is revered by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his promise to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, 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, his family 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 dealing in livestock across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, ignored by the government of then-President Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

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

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political machine.

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

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

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

By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

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

Growing Power

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

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

For a time, 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 killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on al-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, taking the chairmanship.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all inhabited territory in western Sudan.

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

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding a vast network of interests.

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