Hemedti facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
محمد حمدان دقلو
Hemedti in 2022

Chairman of Presidential Council of the Government of Peace and Unity
Incumbent
Assumed office 15 April 2025 (official establishment of office on the 27 July 2025) (Took oath on the 30 August 2025)
Preceded by	Office established
Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council
In office 11 November 2021 – 19 May 2023
Chairman	Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Preceded by	Himself
Succeeded by	Malik Agar
In office 21 August 2019 – 25 October 2021
Chairman	Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Preceded by	Himself
Succeeded by	Himself
Commander of the Rapid Support Forces
Incumbent
Assumed command 2013
Preceded by	New command
Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Military Council
In office 13 April 2019 – 20 August 2019
Chairman	Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Preceded by	Kamal Abdel-Marouf al-Mahdi
Succeeded by	Position abolished

Personal details
Born	Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo 1974 (age 50–51) Chad
Nationality	Sudanese
Relations	Abdul Rahim (brother) Algoney (brother)
Known for	Leader of RSF during the Sudanese civil war (2023–present)
Nickname	Hemedti (Arabic: حميدتي)
Military service
Allegiance	Sudan (2003–2023) Government of Peace and Unity (2025–present)
Branch/service	Janjaweed (2003–2013) Rapid Support Forces (2013–present)
Years of service	2003–present
Rank	General
Commands	Head of the RSF
Battles/wars	War in Darfur 2019 Sudanese coup d'état 2021 Sudanese coup d'état Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (born around 1974 or 1975), often called Hemedti, is a Sudanese military leader. He is the current head of a special military group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Hemedti has been a key figure in Sudan's recent history, especially during times of government change.

He served as the Deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) after the military took control of the government in 2019. Since 2013, Hemedti has led the RSF. In 2019, he was considered a very influential person in Sudan.

In August 2019, the TMC handed over power to a new civilian-military government called the Transitional Sovereignty Council. Hemedti was a member of this council. He also played a role in signing important agreements for Sudan's move towards a more democratic government. In September 2019, he helped negotiate a peace agreement between different groups in Port Sudan.

Hemedti was involved in another military takeover in 2021. However, by February 2023, he called this action a "mistake." This showed a growing disagreement between him and the army leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. In April 2023, Hemedti's RSF began fighting against al-Burhan's government. This led to a major conflict in Sudan. International organizations have raised concerns about serious harm to civilians during these conflicts.

Understanding Hemedti's Background
- Early Life and Education
- Building Business Connections
Hemedti's Role in Sudan's Government
The Conflict in Sudan (2023-Present)
- International Concerns
See also

Understanding Hemedti's Background

Early Life and Education

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was born around 1974 or 1975. While he states his birthplace as Sudan, his family moved to the Darfur region in western Sudan in the 1980s. They came from Chad, seeking safety from war and drought. His family belongs to the Rizeigat tribe, known for herding camels.

Hemedti had limited formal schooling, attending primary school only up to the third grade. He later settled in South Darfur in 1987. He is part of a specific group within the larger Rizeigat tribal confederation, which focuses on camel herding. Before the War in Darfur, he was involved in camel trading.

Building Business Connections

Hemedti became very involved in the gold mining business in Sudan. His company, al-Junaid, grew to be a major gold trader in the country. Gold trade was a significant part of Sudan's exports. His brother, Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, who is also a leader in the RSF, helps run al-Junaid.

By 2019, al-Junaid had expanded its business interests. It included investments, mining, transportation, car rentals, and dealing in iron and steel. This made Hemedti one of the wealthiest people in Sudan. He used his wealth to support his military group.

Much of the gold mined in Sudan was sent to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hemedti kept a lot of his money there. The UAE also provided military equipment to the RSF. Hemedti and General al-Burhan also had business ties with Russia. They were involved in deals related to Sudan's gold resources. The UAE also supported Hemedti's military by providing funds. This support helped Hemedti send troops to a conflict in Yemen.

Hemedti also visited Russia to make business deals. These deals included agreements for gold mining in Sudan with a private military company. His wealth, which includes property and businesses, helped him build the RSF into a well-equipped force.

Hemedti's Role in Sudan's Government

Joining the Transitional Council

Hemedti became the Deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) in 2019. This happened after the RSF helped to detain the former president, al-Bashir, during a military takeover.

In May 2019, Hemedti traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Prince Mohammad bin Salman. During this time, many saw Hemedti as a very influential leader within the TMC. He was known for being ambitious and a skilled political player.

In June 2019, there were violent events in Khartoum where many protestors were harmed. Reports indicated that the RSF, under Hemedti's leadership, was largely responsible for these serious incidents.

Steps Towards a New Government

As protests continued in Sudan, Hemedti signed a Political Agreement in July 2019. He signed this on behalf of the TMC, along with Ahmed Rabee, who represented civilian groups. In August 2019, they signed a Constitutional Declaration. These agreements were important steps for Sudan to move towards a more democratic government.

The plan for this transition included a 39-month period. It set up a Sovereignty Council with five civilian members, five military officials, and a civilian leader. Hemedti became one of the 11 members of this council in August 2019. According to the rules, members of this council were not allowed to run in the 2022 general election.

Working for Peace

In September 2019, Hemedti helped to resolve a conflict in Port Sudan. He worked with groups from the Beni-Amer and Nuba peoples to reach a peace agreement. He urged them to find a solution, even apologizing for his strong words before the agreement was signed.

Hemedti also led the government's team for peace talks with rebel groups in Juba, South Sudan. These groups had been in conflict with the state since 2003 in regions like Darfur. After many discussions, they reached a peace agreement in October 2020.

The Conflict in Sudan (2023-Present)

The military situation in Sudan during the 2023 conflict.

On April 15, 2023, Hemedti's Rapid Support Forces launched attacks against Sudanese Army bases. This included attacks in the capital city, Khartoum. Fighting broke out between the RSF and the Army. Both Hemedti and General al-Burhan claimed control over important government buildings. Hemedti stated that army commanders were trying to bring back the former leader, Omar al-Bashir.

Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok asked both Hemedti and al-Burhan to agree to a ceasefire. Hemedti claimed his forces were defending against "radical Islamists." The fighting continued with occasional ceasefires. On May 19, 2023, Hemedti was officially removed from his position on the Transitional Sovereignty Council.

Since the start of the conflict, Hemedti has visited several countries:

On July 1, 2025, the RSF and another group, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu), announced a new alliance. This alliance, formed in Nyala, is led by Hemedti.

International Concerns

In January 2025, the US government placed sanctions on Hemedti. These sanctions were a response to serious human rights concerns related to the RSF's actions during the conflict in Sudan. The US sanctions mean that Hemedti's assets are frozen, and he cannot enter the United States. The RSF and related groups have been accused of targeting civilians and causing widespread displacement and deaths.

US officials have also stated that the UAE supported General Hamdan in the 2023 civil war. The UAE denied its involvement. However, American officials said Hemedti recorded speeches from a protected place in Abu Dhabi. Sudanese diplomats mentioned that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's vice president, is a close ally. US intelligence also noted direct phone contact between Hemedti and high-ranking UAE officials. Reports suggested that a field hospital built by charities overseen by Sheikh Mansour was secretly used to provide military support to the RSF.