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

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his determination and his vow to tear down the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

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

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

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

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

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Later, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

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

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Ongoing War

When a committee started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

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

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

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.

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