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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his tenacity and his pledge to dismantle the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

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 began earning by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

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

International inquiries determined 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 head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

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

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

Formalizing Power

In 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 new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to guard the border with Libya.

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

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

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

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly 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, nicknaming him "my protector".

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.

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

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

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 ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country.

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

While Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.