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

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of Sudan.

Seizing Power 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 opponents, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his determination and his vow to tear down the discredited state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were not officially registered.

Guided by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

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

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 36 children.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Later, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led loyalist troops that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his family company al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.

In 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".

This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, 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 that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, 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 agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and took control.

But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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

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

Current Status

Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

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

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

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

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

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

It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.

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