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

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the western region.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section 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 not officially registered.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing 126 people, among them dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Calculated Moves

After 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, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company 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, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

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

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

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

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

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out city-wide.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, 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 announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a global community that overlooks.