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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his ruthlessness and his promise to dismantle the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

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

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

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

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led 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

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a role to police the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

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

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

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

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

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

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

This backfired. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals overthrew him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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

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

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country.

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

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