{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Dominates Half of Sudan
The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces hold sway over a vast expanse of Sudan.
Consolidating Control in Darfur
Hemedti's forces scored a notable triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area.
Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is revered by his followers for his tenacity and his pledge to tear down the corrupt state.
Modest Origins
Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.
Born around 1974, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were never recorded.
Guided by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.
Initial Ventures
After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries.
During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.
Local armed groups 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 spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, including 36 children.
A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.
Strategic Maneuvering
After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his rise to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.
He briefly mutinied, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.
Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.
Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.
Institutionalizing Influence
In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.
The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.
International Connections
The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to guard the Libyan frontier.
Supposedly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.
By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.
His ties with the UAE proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Expanding Influence
Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.
His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.
Political Betrayal
As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".
It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals overthrew him.
Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.
Return to Violence
As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.
Hemedti has rejected 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
When a committee started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.
But they fell out. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.
Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.
Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.
International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide.
Present Situation
The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of el-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.
Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.
With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now controls almost all populated areas west of the Nile.
Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into violations perpetrated by his soldiers.
Many believe Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to rule all of Sudan.
Alternatively, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.
While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.