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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his RSF militia control around 50% of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

International Connections

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

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

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

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

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

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

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

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Current Conflict

When a committee started looking into army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded 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 fighting erupted city-wide.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.

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

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the assault on al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.

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

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

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

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

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding 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.