The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over around 50% of Sudan.
Consolidating Control in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.
Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his tenacity and his pledge 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 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 not officially registered.
Led by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.
Early Career
After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.
During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.
Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.
Rise Through Violence
As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.
Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.
International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.
Strategic Maneuvering
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 machine.
At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.
Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.
Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.
Institutionalizing Influence
In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.
Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.
Regional Ambitions
Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a contract to police the Libyan frontier.
Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.
In 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.
The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Growing Power
Recruits flocked 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 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 deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".
It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals overthrew him.
Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.
Renewed Brutality
As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.
Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.
Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.
Current Conflict
As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.
However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti resisted.
In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.
Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.
The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.
Current Status
Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on al-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the Sudanese army.
Hemedti has created a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.
After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.
Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.
Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.
It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding a vast network of interests.
And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.
