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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his determination and his vow to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

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

Led by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them 36 children.

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

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. 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 UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

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

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, nicknaming him himayti.

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.

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

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

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

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

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

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

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations committed by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.

And as Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.