🔗 Share this article {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. Currently, his RSF militia dominate a vast expanse of Sudan. Consolidating Control in Darfur Hemedti's forces scored a notable triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining army garrison in the Darfur area. Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is respected by his supporters for his tenacity and his vow to dismantle the corrupt state. Modest Origins His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region. Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were never recorded. Guided by his uncle Juma, his family relocated to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, 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 Sahara to Libya and Egypt. During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir. Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003. Rise Through Violence As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities. Hemedti's force was part of this, implicated in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including 36 children. A US investigation determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity. Strategic Maneuvering After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization. He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests. Later, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir. Quickly, his family company Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan. Institutionalizing Influence By 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir. The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training. International Connections The RSF fought in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to police the border with Libya. Ostensibly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also excelled at corruption and human smuggling. By 2015, Gulf nations 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, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials. Expanding Influence Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to $6,000. Hemedti struck a partnership with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold. His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak. Political Betrayal With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector". This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders overthrew him. Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but this was short-lived. Return to Violence As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and allegedly executed men in the Nile. Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities. Pressed by international powers, the generals and civilians reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years. Ongoing War When a committee began examining military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and took control. But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted. Last year, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and violence broke out city-wide. Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community. International organizations report up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it genocide. Present Situation Hemedti's forces obtained modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike army positions and critical for the assault on el-Fasher. Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army. Hemedti has formed a rival administration, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship. With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory in western Sudan. After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe into abuses perpetrated by his fighters. Many believe Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan. It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party. While Hemedti's forces commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.