🔗 Share this article

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over around 50% of the Sudanese territory.

Seizing Power in Darfur

Hemedti's forces scored a notable triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his vow to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails 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 never recorded.

Led by his uncle Juma, his clan relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and in search of greener pastures.

Initial Ventures

Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

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

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political machine.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control 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 head 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, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to police the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.

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

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

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

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, 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.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation started looking into military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

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

In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit community.

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of el-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.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of inhabited territory in western Sudan.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

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

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in el-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.