🔗 Share this article

Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Now, his RSF militia dominate nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. 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, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them dozens of minors.

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

Calculated Moves

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.

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

Quickly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

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

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

International Connections

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and accepted a contract to guard the border with Libya.

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

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

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

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

He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

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

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

Renewed Brutality

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 engaged in war crimes.

Pressed by international powers, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize 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 community.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it genocide.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

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

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

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his fighters.

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

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

While Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.