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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major triumph by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his tenacity and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing 126 people, among them 36 children.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

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

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

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

International Connections

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

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

By 2015, Gulf nations asked 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 UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance 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 invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

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

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

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his fighters.

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

Alternatively, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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