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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his supporters for his determination and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

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

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

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

Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

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

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

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

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

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the Sudanese army.

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

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his soldiers.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a global community that overlooks.