The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.
Seizing Power in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the Darfur area.
Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his pledge to dismantle the corrupt state.
Modest Origins
Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.
Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were not officially registered.
Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.
Early Career
After leaving school 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 government of then-President Bashir.
Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.
Rise Through Violence
In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.
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 powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.
At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.
Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.
Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.
Institutionalizing Influence
In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received 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
The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to guard the border with Libya.
Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.
By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.
His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Growing Power
Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.
His trip to Russia occurred on 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 ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.
For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.
Renewed Brutality
When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.
Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.
Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.
Current Conflict
As an investigation started looking into army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.
However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.
In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. 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 American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.
Current Status
The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against 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 formed a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.
With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.
Following reports 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 rule all of Sudan.
It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.
While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.
