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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his RSF militia hold sway over a vast expanse of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

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

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, 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.

Early Career

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

During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, neglected by the government of then-President Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

International inquiries 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 head of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

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

Quickly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

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

Growing Power

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including 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 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

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

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and took control.

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

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

Conflict intensified 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 critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

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

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

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