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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant triumph 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 determination and his promise to overthrow the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan 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.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan 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 desert to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, ignored by the government of then-President Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing 126 people, among them 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 ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that crushed 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.

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices 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 coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

Initially, 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 deployed his forces, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the River 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 several years.

Current Conflict

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

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out 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 ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the capture of el-Fasher.

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

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

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas west of the Nile.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.