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

Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living dealing in livestock and precious metals. Currently, his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces dominate around 50% of Sudan.

Consolidating Control in Darfur

The RSF recently achieved a major triumph by overrunning the city of el-Fasher, which was the final military stronghold in the western region.

Hated and dreaded by his opponents, Hemedti is revered by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his pledge to overthrow the discredited state.

Modest Origins

Hemedti's origins are modest. He hails from the Mahariya section of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.

His birth year is approximately 1975, 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 late 20th century, fleeing conflict and seeking better opportunities.

Early Career

After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti started making money by dealing in livestock across the Sahara to Libya and Egypt.

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

Local armed groups known as the Janjaweed attacked villages of the native Fur communities, escalating a full-scale rebellion in 2003.

Rise Through Violence

As a countermeasure, Bashir massively expanded the Janjaweed to spearhead his anti-rebel campaign. They quickly gained notoriety for widespread atrocities.

Hemedti's unit was among them, accused in destroying the village of Adwa in November 2004, claiming the lives of 126 people, including 36 children.

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

Strategic Maneuvering

After the peak of violence in 2004, Hemedti astutely managed his rise to become head of a powerful paramilitary force, a corporate empire, and a political organization.

At one point he rebelled, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, advancements, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir granted many of his requests.

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

Rapidly, his business venture Al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.

Institutionalizing Influence

In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received official recognition as commander of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.

Former militiamen were absorbed into the RSF, getting new uniforms, vehicles, and weapons.

International Connections

The RSF fought in the Darfur conflict, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and took on a role to police the border with Libya.

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

By 2015, Gulf nations asked Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti negotiated a separate deal to provide his fighters as contractors.

His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a strong alliance with Emirati leadership.

Growing Power

Recruits trekked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to $6,000.

Hemedti formed an alliance 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 Ukraine war outbreak.

Political Betrayal

With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, dubbing him "my protector".

It was a miscalculation. In April 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the generals deposed 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 deployed his forces, which killed hundreds, raped women, and reportedly drowned 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.

Current Conflict

When a committee began examining military-owned companies, the two generals ousted the government and seized power.

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

Last year, RSF units attempted to seize strategic locations in Khartoum. The attempted putsch failed, and fighting erupted city-wide.

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 sophisticated drones, used to strike Burhan's stronghold and critical for the assault on el-Fasher.

Equipped thus, the RSF is in a deadlock 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 almost all populated areas west of the Nile.

After allegations of atrocities, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses committed by his fighters.

Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions himself as president of a breakaway state or still aims to control the entire country.

It's also possible, he may become a political puppet master, commanding businesses, a mercenary army, and a political party.

While Hemedti's troops continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he appears confident of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.