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

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his determination and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

After 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 back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

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

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

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to police the border with Libya.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

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

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

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

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

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

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

Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

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

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.