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

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, previously made his fortune dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area.

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

Humble Beginnings

Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, 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 early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.

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

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

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

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Strategic Maneuvering

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a business network, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his fighters, promotions, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.

Quickly, his business venture al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

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

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a contract to police the border with Libya.

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

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for commercial dealings, particularly in the gold trade.

His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him himayti.

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.

Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes.

Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for several years.

Current Conflict

As an investigation began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and took control.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted city-wide.

Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people.

The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it genocide.

Present Situation

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and crucial in the assault on al-Fasher.

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

Hemedti has formed a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of populated areas in western Sudan.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions 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, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a global community that overlooks.