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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his tenacity and his pledge to dismantle the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved 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 began earning by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting unpaid salaries for his fighters, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

International Connections

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

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at 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 UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

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

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out across the city.

Violence exploded 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

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

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

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a world that does not care.