Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, has become a dominant force in Sudan’s military and political landscape. Hemedti is the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that emerged from the Janjaweed militias involved in the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. This article explores Hemedti’s rise to power and his role in the recent political turmoil in Sudan, which has seen the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the formation of a transitional government.

Hemedti’s early involvement in the Janjaweed militias led to his rise through the ranks to become the leader of the RSF in 2013. The RSF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Hemedti’s power has been fueled by his ability to cultivate relationships with both regional and international players. He has reportedly received support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who see him as a key ally in their efforts to counter Iran’s influence in the region. He has also been accused of using his control of the RSF to profit from the gold trade in Sudan and to smuggle arms to Libya.
Initially seen as a key player in the transition to a democratic government in Sudan,

Hemedti has since become increasingly powerful and has been accused of sidelining the civilian government and consolidating his own power. His consolidation of power represents a worrying trend in Sudan, where military figures with questionable human rights records have been able to undermine democratic institutions. The recent escalation of violence in Darfur, where Hemedti’s RSF has been accused of carrying out attacks against civilians, has prompted international concern, with the United Nations calling for an investigation into the human rights abuses.