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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his RSF militia control a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a major triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to tear down the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to police the border with Libya.

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

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

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

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

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

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

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, 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.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

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

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 sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations committed by his fighters.

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

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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