{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Controls Half of Sudan
Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, previously made his fortune trading camels and gold. Currently, his RSF militia hold sway over nearly half of the Sudanese territory.
Seizing Power in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.
Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his tenacity and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.
Modest Origins
Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.
Born around 1974, as is common in remote regions, his date and place of birth were not officially registered.
Guided by his uncle Juma, his family moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.
Initial Ventures
Dropping out of education in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to neighboring countries.
At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.
Arab militiamen known as the Janjaweed raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.
Rise Through Violence
As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, among them dozens of minors.
International inquiries concluded that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.
Calculated Moves
After the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a business network, and a political machine.
At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir granted most of his demands.
Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.
Rapidly, his family company Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.
Institutionalizing Influence
By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir.
Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training.
International Connections
Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.
Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.
By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide RSF mercenaries.
The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, marking the start of a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Growing Power
Recruits trekked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, including in gold.
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, nicknaming him himayti.
It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals deposed him.
For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader 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 reportedly drowned men in the River Nile.
Hemedti has denied that the RSF engaged in war crimes.
Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an unstable coexistence for two years.
Ongoing War
As an investigation started looking into military-owned companies, the two generals 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 strategic locations in the capital. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.
Conflict intensified in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.
The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the US describing it genocide.
Present Situation
The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and crucial in the capture of el-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.
Hemedti has created a parallel government, the "Government of Peace and Unity", appointing himself leader.
With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now holds the majority of inhabited territory west of the Nile.
Following reports of mass killings, Hemedti announced a probe 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.
It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, controlling a vast network of interests.
And as Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.
