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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to tear down the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

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

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

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

Early Career

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

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

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

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

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated 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 guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

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

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

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

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out across the city.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

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

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

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all populated areas west of the Nile.

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

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

Alternatively, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding a vast network of interests.

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