🔗 Share this article

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

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

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his tenacity and his pledge to overthrow the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

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.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education 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, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-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 anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

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 skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir acceded to most of his demands.

Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

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

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly 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 region, and took on a contract to guard the border with Libya.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders 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 his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

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

Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.

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

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of 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 hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, the two generals 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 strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch 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 advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all inhabited territory in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

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

And as Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.