🔗 Share this article {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. Today, his RSF militia dominate around 50% of Sudan. Seizing Power in Darfur The RSF recently achieved a significant triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final army garrison in the Darfur area. Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is respected by his followers for his tenacity and his pledge to dismantle the corrupt state. Modest Origins Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab group that straddles the Chad-Sudan border region. His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his exact birth details were not officially registered. Led by his uncle Juma, his family moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities. Early Career After leaving school in his adolescence, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to neighboring countries. During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—impoverished, ignored by the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir. Local armed groups known as the Janjawid attacked villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a major uprising in 2003. Ascendancy Amid Conflict As a countermeasure, Bashir greatly enlarged 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, among them dozens of minors. International inquiries determined that the Janjaweed were responsible for genocide. Strategic Maneuvering In the years following the height of violence in 2004, Hemedti skillfully navigated his ascent to become leader of a powerful paramilitary force, a business network, and a political organization. At one point he rebelled, requesting unpaid salaries for his fighters, advancements, and a political position for his brother. Bashir acceded to most of his demands. Later, when other Janjaweed units mutinied, Hemedti led loyalist troops that defeated them, gaining control Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir. Quickly, his business venture al-Gunaid became the top gold exporter in Sudan. Institutionalizing Influence In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as head of the new paramilitary group, answering only to Bashir. The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, getting modern equipment and training. Regional Ambitions The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya. Supposedly stopping illegal crossings, Hemedti's officers also excelled at extortion and people-trafficking. By 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 most consequential, marking the start of a close relationship with UAE officials. Expanding Influence Young Sudanese men trekked to RSF recruiting centers for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars. Hemedti formed an alliance with the Russian Wagner organization, gaining expertise in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in gold. His trip to Russia coincided with the day of the Ukraine war outbreak. Political Betrayal As protests grew, Bashir deployed Hemedti's units to the city of Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector". This backfired. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir ordered the army to open fire. Instead, the generals overthrew him. For a time, Hemedti was celebrated as a new leader for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks. Renewed Brutality As the transition stalled, Hemedti unleashed the RSF, which committed massacres, raped women, and reportedly drowned men in the Nile. Hemedti has rejected that the RSF engaged in war crimes. Under foreign pressure, the military and civil leaders reached a deal, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years. Ongoing War As an investigation began examining military-owned companies, the two generals dismissed the civilians and took control. But they fell out. Burhan insisted the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused. Last year, RSF units moved to surround key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort failed, and fighting erupted across the city. Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF launching brutal attacks against the Masalit people. The UN estimates up to 15,000 civilian deaths, with the American officials calling it ethnic cleansing. Present Situation Hemedti's forces obtained advanced arms, including military drones, deployed against Burhan's stronghold and crucial in 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. After taking al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas west of the Nile. After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti announced a probe into violations perpetrated by his soldiers. Many believe Hemedti sees himself as ruler of an independent region or still aims to control the entire country. It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, controlling businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party. And as Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of impunity in a global community that overlooks.