{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Dominates Half of Sudan
The Sudanese commander known as Hemedti, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces control nearly half of the Sudanese territory.
Consolidating Control in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a significant triumph by capturing the city of al-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the western region.
Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his promise to dismantle the discredited state.
Humble Beginnings
His background is humble. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arab group that spans Chad and Darfur.
His birth year is approximately 1975, as is common in remote regions, his exact birth details were never recorded.
Led by his uncle Juma, his clan moved to Darfur in the 1970s and 80s, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.
Early Career
After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to Libya and Egypt.
During that period, Darfur was Sudan's wild west—poor, neglected by the regime of then-President Bashir.
Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the indigenous Fur, escalating a major uprising in 2003.
Ascendancy Amid Conflict
As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to lead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's force was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in late 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 36 children.
International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of genocide.
Strategic Maneuvering
In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political machine.
At one point he rebelled, demanding unpaid salaries for his soldiers, advancements, and a political position for his sibling. Bashir granted most of his demands.
Subsequently, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's largest artisanal gold mine at Jebel Amir.
Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.
Institutionalizing Influence
In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, answering only to Bashir.
The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.
International Connections
Hemedti's forces engaged in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to police the border with Libya.
Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's commanders also excelled at corruption and human smuggling.
By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.
The Abu Dhabi connection proved most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials.
Expanding Influence
Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.
His trip to Russia occurred on the day of the invasion of Ukraine.
Turning on Allies
With rising demonstrations, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".
It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.
Initially, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He attempted to rebrand, but that lasted only weeks.
Renewed Brutality
When power wasn't transferred, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile.
Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.
Under foreign pressure, the generals and civilians agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for several years.
Current Conflict
As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.
However, they disagreed. Burhan insisted the RSF be integrated into the military. Hemedti refused.
Last year, RSF units moved to surround key bases in the capital. The attempted putsch was unsuccessful, and violence broke out city-wide.
Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.
The UN estimates thousands of casualties, with the US describing it genocide.
Present Situation
The RSF has acquired modern weapons, including sophisticated drones, deployed against army positions and critical for the capture of el-Fasher.
With this weaponry, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.
Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, taking the chairmanship.
After taking 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 envisions himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to rule all of Sudan.
It's also possible, he may become a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling a vast network of interests.
While Hemedti's forces commit violence in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.
