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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia hold sway over nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his tenacity and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

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

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved 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 trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them 36 children.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

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

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

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, including in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

This backfired. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.

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

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed 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 in western Sudan.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to control the entire country.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.

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