From Camels to Control: How Hemedti‘s Forces Now Dominate Half of Sudan
el Fasher,Sudan – Amidst escalating violence and accusations of widespread atrocities,the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF),led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – widely known as Hemedti – have solidified control over roughly half of Sudan,raising fears of a fractured nation and deepening humanitarian crisis. Reports of mass killings and alleged rapes committed by RSF soldiers during the recent takeover of El Fasher, the capital of north Darfur, have drawn international condemnation.
Hemedti’s ascent from a camel and gold trader to a powerful military figure now threatening the stability of Sudan underscores a complex power struggle with deep roots in the country’s political and economic landscape. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has displaced millions and brought Sudan to the brink of collapse, with the potential to destabilize the wider region. The RSF’s growing dominance, coupled with Hemedti’s apparent belief in his own impunity, presents a critical challenge to international efforts to restore peace and civilian rule.
Hemedti’s origins lie in the Janjaweed militias, accused of committing atrocities during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. He amassed considerable wealth through the trade of camels and gold in Darfur, leveraging thes resources to build a formidable network of fighters and businesses. this economic power base proved crucial in his rise through the ranks of the Sudanese security apparatus.
Following the ouster of longtime dictator omar al-bashir in 2019,Hemedti became a key figure in the Transitional Military Council that ruled Sudan. He positioned himself as a pragmatic leader, forging alliances with both military and civilian factions. Though, tensions with the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, steadily increased, culminating in the current conflict.
The RSF’s control now extends across much of western and central Sudan, including key economic regions. Analysts suggest Hemedti may envision himself as the leader of a breakaway state or retain ambitions to govern all of Sudan. Others believe he aims to operate as a kingmaker, wielding influence through his control of a vast network of companies, mercenaries, and a political party, even without holding formal power.
Despite the gravity of the situation and mounting evidence of war crimes, Hemedti appears confident in his ability to operate without outcome, a perception fueled by what observers describe as a lack of decisive international action. As his troops continue to be accused of massacring civilians in cities like El Fasher, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.
