{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Dominates Half of Sudan
The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate a vast expanse of the Sudanese territory.
Seizing Power 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 western region.
Hated and dreaded by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his tenacity and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.
Modest Origins
His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.
His birth year is approximately 1975, 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.
Early Career
After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.
At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.
Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, triggering a full-scale rebellion in 2003.
Rise Through Violence
As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.
A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.
Calculated Moves
After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.
He briefly mutinied, requesting back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.
Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated 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 formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.
Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.
International Connections
The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.
Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also engaged in extortion and people-trafficking.
In 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.
His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with UAE officials.
Growing Power
Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses 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.
He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.
Political Betrayal
As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him himayti.
This backfired. In 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.
Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.
Return to Violence
When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly executed men in the River 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.
Ongoing War
When a committee started looking into army businesses, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.
However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.
In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort failed, and violence broke out across the city.
Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign against the Masalit people.
The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it ethnic cleansing.
Current Status
Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the national military.
Hemedti has created a rival administration, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.
With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.
After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations committed by his soldiers.
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 political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.
While Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.
