Introduction

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, is a Sudanese military leader and the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He has been one of the country’s most influential political and military figures since the late 2010s, serving as deputy chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Since the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, Hemedti has led the RSF in its conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This guide examines his background, military career, political influence and role in Sudan’s contemporary history.

Overview

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, is a Sudanese military leader and the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He emerged as a prominent figure during the conflict in Darfur before becoming one of the most influential political and military actors in Sudan.

As commander of the RSF, Hemedti oversaw the expansion of the force from a regional paramilitary organization into a nationwide security institution with a significant role in Sudan’s military and political affairs. Following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, he became deputy chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, serving alongside General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan during Sudan’s transitional period.

Political tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) increased over security sector reform and the proposed integration of the RSF into the national military. These disagreements culminated in the outbreak of the Sudan war on 15 April 2023.

Since then, Hemedti has remained one of the central figures in the conflict, leading the RSF while participating in political statements and diplomatic initiatives related to Sudan’s ongoing crisis.

 Early Life and Military Career

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was born around 1975 in North Darfur, Sudan, into a family involved in livestock trading. Unlike many senior Sudanese military officers, he did not graduate from a traditional military academy. Instead, his rise to prominence came through his leadership of tribal armed groups during the conflict in Darfur.

During the 2000s, Dagalo became a commander of forces that later formed the basis of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the Sudanese government reorganized these units, he was appointed commander of the RSF when the force was formally established in 2013.

Under Hemedti’s leadership, the RSF expanded its operations beyond Darfur, taking part in border security, counterinsurgency missions and other security operations across Sudan. The force also deployed personnel to Yemen as part of the Saudi- and UAE-led coalition, increasing its regional profile and strengthening its position within Sudan’s security establishment.

By the late 2010s, Hemedti had become one of Sudan’s most influential military leaders. His growing authority within the RSF and his expanding political role positioned him as a key figure during Sudan’s transition following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

 Political Role

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo emerged as a leading political figure in Sudan following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. He was appointed deputy chairman of the Transitional Military Council before later serving as deputy chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council under the Constitutional Declaration that established Sudan’s transitional government.

During the transitional period, Hemedti participated in discussions on political reforms, security arrangements and peace initiatives involving the Sudanese government, civilian groups and regional and international partners. His role reflected the growing political influence of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) within Sudan’s transitional institutions.

Political differences between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) became increasingly apparent during negotiations over security sector reform and the future structure of Sudan’s military institutions. The proposed integration of the RSF into the national armed forces remained one of the most disputed issues throughout the transition.

These disagreements eventually contributed to the collapse of negotiations and the outbreak of the Sudan war on 15 April 2023. Since then, Hemedti has remained one of the principal political and military figures associated with the conflict, issuing public statements and representing the RSF in relation to political and diplomatic developments.

 Hemedti and the Sudan War

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) has led the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) throughout the Sudan war, which began on 15 April 2023 after negotiations over security sector reform and the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) broke down.

As commander of the RSF, Hemedti has directed military operations across several parts of Sudan, including Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan and Gezira State. The conflict has resulted in shifting frontlines, changes in territorial control and a prolonged humanitarian crisis affecting millions of civilians.

During the war, Hemedti has stated that the RSF is fighting to achieve political and military reforms in Sudan. The Sudanese government and the SAF have rejected these claims, maintaining that the RSF is responsible for undermining state institutions and national security. These competing narratives have remained a defining feature of the conflict.

The war has drawn widespread international attention, with the United Nations, regional organizations and humanitarian agencies repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. As commander of the RSF, Hemedti has remained one of the central figures in diplomatic discussions and international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.

International Relations and Diplomacy

As commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) has become a prominent figure in regional and international discussions concerning Sudan. Since 2019, he has participated in meetings with foreign officials, regional organizations and international representatives on issues related to Sudan’s political transition, security and economic cooperation.

Following the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, Hemedti has continued to engage in diplomatic outreach through public statements, meetings and communications with regional and international actors. These engagements have focused on ceasefire proposals, humanitarian access and possible political solutions to the conflict.

Regional organizations, including the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), together with the United Nations (UN) and other international partners, have maintained dialogue with multiple stakeholders in Sudan as part of broader efforts to encourage negotiations and reduce the humanitarian impact of the war.

Hemedti’s international role has evolved alongside developments in the conflict, making him one of the most closely watched Sudanese figures in discussions concerning the country’s political future, regional security and humanitarian crisis.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, is a Sudanese military leader and the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He has been one of Sudan’s most influential political and military figures since 2019.

What is Hemedti’s position?

Hemedti serves as the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He also served as deputy chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council between 2019 and the outbreak of the Sudan war.

How did Hemedti become the leader of the RSF?

Hemedti rose to prominence during the conflict in Darfur and became commander of the Rapid Support Forces when the organization was formally established in 2013. Under his leadership, the RSF expanded its operations and influence across Sudan.

What is Hemedti’s role in the Sudan war?

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war on 15 April 2023, Hemedti has led the Rapid Support Forces in their conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), making him one of the central figures in the ongoing conflict.

Why is Hemedti internationally known?

Hemedti is internationally known for his role in Sudan’s political transition, his leadership of the Rapid Support Forces, and his involvement in the Sudan war. He has also participated in diplomatic engagements related to ceasefire efforts and political negotiations.

Is Hemedti still the commander of the RSF?

Yes. As of the latest update to this guide, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) remains the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Explore these related reference guides to better understand Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the broader Sudan conflict:

– Sudan War Explained
– Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
– Who is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan?
– Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?
– Sudan Conflict Timeline
– Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
– Sudan Economy
– History of Sudan

 Sources

This guide is based on information published by official institutions, international organizations and established news organizations, including:

– Rapid Support Forces official statements
– United Nations (UN)
– African Union (AU)
– Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
– Reuters
– The Associated Press (AP)
– International Crisis Group (ICG)
– Human Rights Watch (HRW)
– Amnesty International
– Sudan Now reporting

 Last Updated

Last updated: July 2026

This reference guide is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect significant developments related to Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), including changes in his official role, public statements, diplomatic activities and involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.