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

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his determination and his promise to overthrow the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, 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 never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

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

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety 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 dozens of minors.

A US investigation concluded 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 powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

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

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to guard the border with Libya.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

In 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

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

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew 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

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and took control.

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

Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

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

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.

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 the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

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

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

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 impunity in a global community that overlooks.