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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.

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

Humble Beginnings

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to police the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations 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

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the 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 two years.

Ongoing War

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

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch 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

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, used to strike 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 "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

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

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

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.