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

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his determination and his pledge to tear down the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

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

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

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Formalizing Power

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

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to guard the border with Libya.

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

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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 ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against 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 rival administration, 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.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to control the entire country.

Alternatively, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.

And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.