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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia dominate nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a significant triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing 126 people, among them dozens of minors.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a role to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

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 close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.

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

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.

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

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, 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 several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, the two generals ousted the government and took control.

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

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

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

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

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

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

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

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

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

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

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.

And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.