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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his RSF militia dominate 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 military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his determination and his pledge to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan 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 dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.

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 skillfully navigated 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, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

International Connections

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

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly 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 capital Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, 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 the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the capture of el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory in western Sudan.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.