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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant triumph by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Humble Beginnings

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

Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a major uprising 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 over a hundred individuals, among them 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

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

Formalizing Power

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

Regional Ambitions

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and accepted a contract to police the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement 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 trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

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

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

As protests grew, 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 deposed him.

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

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected 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

As an investigation started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the assault on el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.