🔗 Share this article

Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his pledge to dismantle the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

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

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

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Formalizing Power

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

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it genocide.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

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 perpetrated 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 political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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