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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his determination and his pledge to tear down the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section 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 Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to police the border with Libya.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE 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

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

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

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

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

Return to Violence

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

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining military-owned companies, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

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

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

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces commit violence in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.