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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his ruthlessness and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them 36 children.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

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

At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

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

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

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

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader 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 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 uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out across the city.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.

Many believe Hemedti sees 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, controlling a vast network of interests.

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