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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his determination and his vow to dismantle the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

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

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

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

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 36 children.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

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

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head 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

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

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Growing Power

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

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

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

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

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

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

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it genocide.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

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 soldiers.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.