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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major victory by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the western region.

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

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that spans 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 family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock 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 attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

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, implicated in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Calculated Moves

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, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his family company al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to police the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

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

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

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

Hemedti has denied 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 seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.

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

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.

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

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, commanding a vast network of interests.

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