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

Seizing Power in Darfur

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

Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his vow to dismantle the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.

Early Career

Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.

International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

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

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

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

Formalizing Power

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

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training.

International Connections

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

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

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

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

Turning on Allies

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

This backfired. In 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly executed 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 unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

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

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out across the city.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.

Present Situation

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.

After taking el-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all populated areas in western Sudan.

Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his soldiers.

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

Alternatively, he may become a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.