{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Commands a Major Portion of Sudan

The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a notable victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the Darfur area.

Feared and despised by his adversaries, Hemedti is admired by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his pledge to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles Chad and Darfur.

Born around 1974, 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, escaping war and seeking better opportunities.

Initial Ventures

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.

At that time, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—impoverished, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003.

Ascendancy Amid Conflict

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to lead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's force was part of this, implicated in destroying the village of Adwah in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

A US investigation concluded that the Janjaweed were responsible for crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, requesting unpaid salaries for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his brother. Bashir granted many of his requests.

Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units rebelled, Hemedti commanded loyalist troops that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Institutionalizing Influence

By 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, struggled in the Nuba region, and took on a role to guard the border with Libya.

Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

By 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.

Expanding Influence

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF enlistment offices for cash payments of up to six thousand dollars.

Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in the gold trade.

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

Turning on Allies

As protests grew, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

This backfired. In 2019, when demonstrators demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.

Return to Violence

As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, assaulted females, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.

Ongoing War

When a committee started looking into military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti resisted.

In April 2023, RSF units moved to surround strategic locations in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, 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 modern weapons, including military 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 "Government of Peace and Unity", taking the chairmanship.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of populated areas west of the Nile.

Following reports of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his fighters.

Many believe Hemedti sees himself as president of a breakaway state or aspires to rule all of Sudan.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, commanding a vast network of interests.

While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in al-Fasher, he appears confident of impunity in a world that does not care.