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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

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

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

Led by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, 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 quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political machine.

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

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

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

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

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, 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 fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out across the city.

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 genocide.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

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

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.