🔗 Share this article

Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his ruthlessness and his vow to tear down the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

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

Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, 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 desert to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, implicated in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a contract to police the border with Libya.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.

In 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.

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

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.

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

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Ongoing War

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

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

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

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.

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

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

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

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to control the entire country.

Alternatively, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.