{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Commands a Major Portion of Sudan

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia dominate a vast expanse 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 last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his tenacity and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that spans Chad and Darfur.

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

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

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to neighboring countries.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

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

Rapidly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

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

International Connections

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

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

By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Expanding Influence

Recruits flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

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

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed 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 tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived.

Return to Violence

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

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.

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

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

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

Current Status

The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on al-Fasher.

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

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

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

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

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may emerge as a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

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