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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his determination and his pledge to dismantle the corrupt 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 spans Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, neglected by the government of then-President Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

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

Later, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

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

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

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader 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, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it genocide.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

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

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

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