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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a significant triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his vow to tear down the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating 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 widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

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

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

International Connections

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

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

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

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including 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 capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.

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

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the River 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 unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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 fighting erupted across the city.

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

International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his soldiers.

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

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.

And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.