The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Today, his RSF militia dominate around 50% of Sudan.
Consolidating Control in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a major triumph by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.
Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his followers for his ruthlessness and his pledge to tear down the discredited state.
Humble Beginnings
His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.
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 seeking better opportunities.
Initial Ventures
Dropping out of education in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.
At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir.
Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering 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 burning, looting, and killing.
Hemedti's unit was among them, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in late 2004, killing 126 people, among them 36 children.
International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide.
Calculated Moves
In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.
At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.
Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.
Rapidly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.
Formalizing Power
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 modern equipment and training.
Regional Ambitions
Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to police the Libyan frontier.
Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking.
By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.
The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Expanding Influence
Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold.
He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.
Political Betrayal
With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.
It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him.
For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.
Renewed Brutality
When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the River Nile.
Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.
Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an unstable coexistence for several 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 be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.
Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in the capital. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted across the city.
Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.
The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.
Current Status
Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of al-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.
Hemedti has formed a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.
After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.
After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.
Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or aspires to control the entire country.
It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding a vast network of interests.
While Hemedti's forces commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.
