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The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his RSF militia control nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable triumph by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his tenacity and his promise to dismantle the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

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 moved 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 began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, neglected by the government of then-President Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, among them 36 children.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

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

He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

In 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. 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.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.

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

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

This backfired. In 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Renewed Brutality

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

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

Current Status

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, 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 holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires 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.

And as Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.