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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his ruthlessness and his pledge to tear down the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

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

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

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

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

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 strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, 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 tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Current Conflict

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize 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.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of 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 almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.