Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo leads Sudan’s RSF, challenging the military elite. His rise from camel trader to power player shapes Sudan’s uncertain future.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, is one of the most influential figures in Sudan today. As the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), he has played a pivotal role in the country’s political and military landscape, challenging the traditional military establishment led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
From Camel Trader to Military Strongman
Born in 1975 in Darfur, Hemedti rose from humble beginnings as a camel trader to become a dominant force in Sudanese politics. His influence grew in the early 2000s when he joined the notorious Janjaweed militia, which the Sudanese government used to suppress uprisings in Darfur. His forces were accused of committing atrocities during the Darfur conflict, leading to international condemnation.
Recognizing his military prowess, former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir legitimized the Janjaweed by integrating them into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 2013. Hemedti was appointed as its commander, giving him a direct pipeline to power and wealth.
Key Moments in His Rise to Power
- The Fall of Bashir (2019)
- Hemedti played a crucial role in ousting Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, aligning himself with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the pro-democracy movement.
- As deputy chairman of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), he was instrumental in shaping Sudan’s post-Bashir transition.
- Brutal Crackdown on Protesters (June 2019)
- His RSF forces were blamed for the Khartoum massacre, where over 120 pro-democracy protesters were killed.
- Despite global outrage, he remained a key player in Sudan’s transitional government.
- Clash with Al-Burhan and the 2023 War
- Initially an ally of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto ruler, tensions between the two escalated over power-sharing arrangements.
- On April 15, 2023, fighting erupted between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), plunging Sudan into full-scale war.
- Hemedti positioned himself as a reformist, vowing to rid Sudan of military dictatorship, while critics accused him of seeking absolute power.
Hemedti’s Regional and International Influence
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia:
- The RSF has reportedly received backing from the UAE, which sees him as a counterweight to Burhan.
- His ties with the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, have fueled speculation that Moscow supports him in exchange for access to Sudan’s gold reserves.
- Western Powers and African Mediation Efforts:
- While Western nations condemn his role in Sudan’s war, they also recognize that he controls vast territories, making him an unavoidable figure in peace negotiations.
- His recent diplomatic outreach to Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia suggests he is seeking regional legitimacy.
What Next for Hemedti?
Despite facing war crimes accusations, Hemedti has consolidated power across western and southern Sudan, challenging Khartoum’s central authority. If he wins the war, he could become Sudan’s new leader. If he loses, he risks exile—or worse.
Either way, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s grip on Sudanese politics is far from over.
