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Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia control a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the western region.

Feared and despised by his opponents, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his determination and his promise to tear down the discredited state.

Humble Beginnings

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

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 late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them dozens of minors.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Calculated Moves

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.

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

Later, when rival militias mutinied, 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 the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.

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

Regional Ambitions

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

Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

By 2015, Gulf nations asked 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, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

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

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in gold.

His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

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

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and reportedly executed men in the River Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

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

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out city-wide.

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

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it genocide.

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.

With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses committed by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.