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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a major triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

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

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

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

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

Early Career

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

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

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them 36 children.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

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

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

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

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

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.

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

Political Betrayal

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

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

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the US describing it genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on 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, appointing himself leader.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of inhabited territory in western Sudan.

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

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims 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.

And as Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a global community that overlooks.