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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia dominate around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his ruthlessness and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict 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 a lawless frontier—impoverished, neglected by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Later, 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.

Formalizing Power

By 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, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations 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, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments 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 coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned 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.

Ongoing War

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out across the city.

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

International organizations report 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 Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

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

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

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

And as Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.