🔗 Share this article

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control around 50% of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Initial Ventures

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

During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, implicated in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them dozens of minors.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Calculated Moves

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head 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 granted most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Rapidly, his business venture al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

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

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

Expanding Influence

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 business arrangements, particularly in gold.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

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

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.

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

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the assault on al-Fasher.

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

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

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his fighters.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a world that does not care.