{From Camel Trader to Warlord: The Rise of a Man Who Now Controls Half of Sudan
Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, once earned his living trading camels and gold. Today, his RSF militia hold sway over a vast expanse of Sudan.
Consolidating Control in Darfur
The RSF recently achieved a major victory by overrunning the city of al-Fasher, which was the last remaining military stronghold in the Darfur area.
Feared and despised by his enemies, Hemedti is respected by his loyalists for his ruthlessness and his promise to overthrow the corrupt state.
Modest Origins
Hemedti's origins are modest. He comes from the Mahariya clan of the camel-herding Rizeigat community, an Arabic-speaking group that spans the Chad-Sudan border region.
His birth year is approximately 1975, like many from rural areas, his date and place of birth were never recorded.
Guided by his uncle Juma Dagolo, his clan moved to Darfur in the late 20th century, escaping war and in search of greener pastures.
Early Career
After leaving school in his early teens, Hemedti began earning by trading camels across the desert to Libya and Egypt.
During that period, Darfur was a lawless frontier—poor, ignored by the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir.
Local armed groups known as the Janjawid raided villages of the native Fur communities, triggering a major uprising in 2003.
Rise Through Violence
In response, Bashir greatly enlarged the Janjaweed to spearhead his counter-insurgency campaign. They soon became infamous for widespread atrocities.
Hemedti's force was among them, accused in attacking the village of Adwah in November 2004, claiming the lives of over a hundred individuals, including dozens of minors.
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 astutely managed his ascent to become leader of a influential militia, a corporate empire, and a political organization.
He briefly mutinied, demanding back-pay for his soldiers, promotions, and a government role for his sibling. Bashir acceded to many of his requests.
Subsequently, when rival militias rebelled, Hemedti commanded government forces that defeated them, taking over Darfur's biggest gold mining site at Jabel Amir.
Quickly, his family company al-Gunaid became Sudan's largest gold exporter.
Formalizing Power
In 2013, Hemedti asked for and received formal status as head of the newly formed Rapid Support Forces, reporting directly to Bashir.
The Janjaweed were integrated into the RSF, receiving modern equipment and training.
Regional Ambitions
The RSF fought in Darfur, performed less successfully in the Nuba region, and accepted a role to guard the Libyan frontier.
Ostensibly curbing illicit migration, Hemedti's officers also engaged in corruption and human smuggling.
By 2015, Gulf nations requested Sudanese troops for the war in Yemen. Hemedti struck his own agreement to provide his fighters as contractors.
His ties with the UAE proved highly significant, beginning a close relationship with Emirati leadership.
Expanding Influence
Recruits flocked to RSF enlistment offices for signing bonuses of up to six thousand dollars.
Hemedti formed an alliance with Russia's Wagner Group, receiving training in exchange for business arrangements, particularly in the gold trade.
He visited Moscow occurred on the day of the Ukraine war outbreak.
Turning on Allies
With rising demonstrations, Bashir ordered Hemedti's units to the capital Khartoum, nicknaming him "my protector".
It was a miscalculation. In 2019, when demonstrators called for change, Bashir instructed troops to shoot. Instead, the military leaders deposed him.
For a time, Hemedti was hailed as a fresh face for Sudan. He tried to reposition himself, but that lasted only weeks.
Renewed Brutality
As the transition stalled, Hemedti deployed his forces, which committed massacres, raped women, and allegedly executed men in the Nile.
Hemedti has rejected that the RSF committed atrocities.
Pressed by international powers, the military and civil leaders agreed to a compromise, leading to an uneasy partnership for two years.
Current Conflict
When a committee started looking into army businesses, Burhan and Hemedti ousted the government and seized power.
However, they disagreed. Burhan demanded the RSF come under army command. Hemedti refused.
In April 2023, RSF units attempted to seize key bases in Khartoum. The takeover effort was unsuccessful, and fighting erupted across the city.
Violence exploded in Darfur, with the RSF mounting a vicious campaign 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 assault on al-Fasher.
Equipped thus, the RSF is in a deadlock with the national military.
Hemedti has created a parallel government, the so-called unity government, appointing himself leader.
With the capture of al-Fasher, the RSF now holds almost all populated areas in western Sudan.
After allegations of mass killings, Hemedti declared an investigation into abuses perpetrated by his soldiers.
Sudanese speculate Hemedti envisions 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, commanding a vast network of interests.
While Hemedti's forces continue atrocities in el-Fasher, he seems assured of avoiding consequences in a world that does not care.
