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

Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Now, his RSF militia hold sway over a vast expanse of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a major victory by capturing the city of el-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his enemies, Hemedti is admired by his supporters for his ruthlessness and his pledge to tear down the corrupt state.

Modest Origins

His background is humble. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, 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 seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the desert to neighboring countries.

At that time, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, ignored by the regime of then-President Bashir.

Arab militiamen known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

In response, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They soon became infamous for burning, looting, and killing.

Hemedti's force was part of this, accused in attacking the village of Adwa in November 2004, killing over a hundred individuals, including 36 children.

International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Calculated Moves

In the years following the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become head of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political machine.

He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his brother. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.

Subsequently, when rival militias mutinied, Hemedti led government forces that crushed them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jebel Amir.

Rapidly, his family company al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan.

Formalizing Power

In 2013, Hemedti requested and obtained formal status as commander of the new paramilitary group, reporting directly to Bashir.

The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.

Regional Ambitions

Hemedti's forces engaged in the Darfur conflict, struggled in the Nuba Mountains, and took on a role to guard the Libyan frontier.

Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested Sudanese troops for the Yemen conflict. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide RSF mercenaries.

The Abu Dhabi connection proved highly significant, beginning a strong alliance with UAE officials.

Growing Power

Young Sudanese men flocked to RSF recruiting centers for cash payments of up to $6,000.

Hemedti struck a partnership with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for commercial dealings, including in gold.

He visited Moscow coincided with the day of the invasion of Ukraine.

Political Betrayal

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

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when protesters demanded democracy, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.

For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.

Renewed Brutality

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

Hemedti has denied that the RSF committed atrocities.

Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.

Ongoing War

When a committee began examining army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti dismissed the civilians and seized power.

However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.

Last year, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and violence broke out across the city.

Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit community.

International organizations report thousands of casualties, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing.

Current Status

The RSF has acquired advanced arms, including military drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the capture of al-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a strategic stalemate with the Sudanese army.

Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.

With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now controls the majority of inhabited territory west of the Nile.

After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his soldiers.

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

It's also possible, he may emerge as a behind-the-scenes power broker, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops commit violence in al-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a global community that overlooks.