Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
Name	Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
Birth date	c. 1974–1975
Birth place	Darfur, Sudan
Allegiance	Sudan
Serviceyears	1990s–present
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	Rapid Support Forces
Battles	War in Darfur, Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, Yemeni Civil War, 2023 Sudan conflict
Laterwork	Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (2021–2023)

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known by his nickname Hemedti, is a Sudanese military commander and political figure who rose to prominence as the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He became a key powerbroker following the 2019 overthrow of longtime President Omar al-Bashir, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council from 2021 until the outbreak of a devastating civil war in 2023. Dagalo's forces, originating from the Janjaweed militias of the War in Darfur, have been central to Sudan's recent conflicts and political turmoil, drawing significant international scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses.

Early life and background

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was born around 1974–1975 into the Rizeigat tribe, an Arab nomadic group in the Darfur region of western Sudan. He received little formal education, engaging in trade and camel herding in his youth, which was marked by the region's chronic instability and tribal conflicts. His early experiences in the arid landscapes of North Darfur and South Darfur shaped his understanding of local power dynamics and resource competition. The Second Sudanese Civil War and the escalating tensions in Darfur during the 1990s provided the backdrop for his initial forays into militia activities, aligning with government-backed forces.

Military career and rise to power

Dagalo's military career began in the late 1990s and early 2000s when he joined the Janjaweed, militias mobilized by the Government of Sudan to combat rebel groups in Darfur. His leadership skills and ruthlessness quickly elevated his status, and he became a prominent commander under the auspices of the National Intelligence and Security Service. In 2013, the government formalized these militias into the Rapid Support Forces, with Dagalo appointed as its commander, reporting directly to the Sudanese Armed Forces and President Omar al-Bashir. The RSF saw extensive combat in the Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile and was deployed to support the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present), which significantly bolstered Dagalo's financial resources and political leverage within Khartoum.

Role in the Sudanese Revolution and transitional government

During the 2018–19 Sudanese protests that ultimately toppled Omar al-Bashir, Dagalo played a pivotal and ambiguous role. Initially, the Rapid Support Forces were used to suppress demonstrations, but he later shifted allegiance, refusing to crack down on protesters at a critical juncture, which facilitated the 2019 Sudanese coup d'état by the military. Following the coup, he became a key member of the Transitional Military Council and, after a power-sharing agreement with civilian groups, was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council in 2021, serving under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. This period was marked by a fragile alliance between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, though underlying tensions over integration and authority persisted.

Involvement in the Sudanese civil war

Long-simmering disputes over the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the regular army and control over the nation's security apparatus erupted into open warfare on April 15, 2023. Forces loyal to Dagalo engaged in intense fighting with the Sudanese Armed Forces commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan across Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions. The conflict, which continues, has been characterized by widespread atrocities, including the siege of El Geneina in West Darfur, and has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. The war has drawn in various regional actors and fragmented the country, with the RSF consolidating control over significant territories in Darfur and key trade routes.

Political and economic influence

Beyond his military command, Dagalo has built a vast economic empire that underpins his political power. The Rapid Support Forces control lucrative ventures, including gold mining operations, particularly in the Jebel Amer mines in North Darfur, as well as involvement in trade, logistics, and smuggling networks across Libya, the Central African Republic, and Chad. This financial autonomy has allowed the RSF to operate independently of the state, procuring weapons and paying its troops. His family and close associates, including his brother Abdel Rahim Dagalo, are deeply embedded in these business interests, creating a powerful parallel economy.

International relations and diplomacy

Dagalo has cultivated complex international relationships to bolster his position. He has been a key partner for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which relied on RSF troops in Yemen and have provided financial support. Conversely, he has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for human rights abuses and is wanted by the International Criminal Court for atrocities in Darfur. He has undertaken diplomatic tours to regional powers like Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa, positioning himself as a legitimate political actor, while rivals like Egypt have traditionally supported the Sudanese Armed Forces. His engagements with Russia and the Wagner Group have also been reported, concerning potential resource-for-arms deals.

Category:Sudanese military personnel Category:Sudanese politicians Category:2023 Sudan conflict