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UN Reports 6,000 Deaths in Sudan Conflict Over Three-Day Period

A United Nations report attributes the violent acts in el-Fasher to the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A UN report citing victims and witnesses has revealed that over 6,000 lives were lost in a mere three-day period when Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of the city of el-Fasher last year.

People who fled el-Fasher queue for food at the Al-Afad camp for displaced people in the town of Al-Dabba, northern Sudan.
Some have managed to flee to aid camps further north and west

Witnesses described the scene as "apocalyptic" when RSF fighters opened fire on approximately 1,000 individuals seeking shelter in a university building last October, resulting in bodies being thrown into the air.

The report documents numerous instances of mass killings, summary executions, torture, abductions, and sexual violence perpetrated against civilians, which constitute war crimes and potential crimes against humanity.

Although the RSF has not commented on the report, they have previously denied similar allegations.

These findings are consistent with the pattern of abuses observed in previous RSF offensives.

Sudan is currently embroiled in a nearly three-year power struggle between the regular army and the RSF paramilitaries, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of over 13 million individuals, with widespread sexual violence being employed as a tactic of war.

Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been implicated in committing atrocities.

The US and Human Rights Watch have expressed concerns that the RSF and its allies may be perpetrating genocide against the Massalit people and other non-Arab communities in the western Darfur region, although recent UN reports have stopped short of using this term.

El-Fasher, a strategic city in Darfur, was under siege for 18 months, yielding some of the most disturbing accounts to emerge from the conflict.

According to the UN Human Rights Office, over 140 victims and witnesses provided testimony in Sudan's Northern state and eastern Chad in late 2025.

The UN reports that at least 4,400 people were killed within el-Fasher during the initial days of the assault, and an additional 1,600 individuals lost their lives while fleeing along exit routes.

The report suggests that the actual death toll during the week-long offensive is likely significantly higher than reported.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has reiterated his calls for all parties involved in the Sudan conflict to put an end to the grave violations committed by forces under their command.

International pressure is mounting on the backers of the conflict to withdraw their support.

The UAE has denied allegations that it is the primary supplier of arms to RSF fighters.

The UK has imposed sanctions on six key figures accused of fueling Sudan's war, including senior commanders from the army and the RSF, as well as three foreign nationals allegedly involved in recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for the RSF.

British lawmakers have spoken out in parliament regarding UN claims that weapons lawfully sold by the UK to the UAE were subsequently re-sold to the RSF.

In response, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the UK has robust controls in place to prevent the diversion of arms exports and will continue to take this matter seriously.

A coalition linked to the RSF, known as the Sudan Founding Alliance, has announced plans to establish a rival Sudanese government in the western part of the country.

The African Union has rejected these plans, warning that such a move would jeopardize any prospects for unity.

The BBC World Service is launching a new season of its award-winning educational program Dars, aimed at supporting children in Sudan and other Arabic-speaking countries who are denied or restricted access to education.

The first episode aired on Saturday, 24 January, on BBC News Arabic TV, with new episodes broadcast weekly on Saturdays at 09:30 GMT and repeats on Sundays and throughout the week.

The program is also available on digital platforms, including the BBC News Arabic YouTube channel.

For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.

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Vonn to Undergo Additional Surgery, Reports Improvement in Condition

Lindsey Vonn has reported a sense of gradual recovery, stating she is beginning to feel more like her usual self, although she still faces at least two additional surgeries to address the leg injury she suffered during a crash at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.

Following her crash on Sunday, Lindsey Vonn has undergone three surgical procedures to address her injuries.

In a recent update, Lindsey Vonn stated that she is gradually regaining her strength, but expects to undergo at least two additional operations to treat the leg fracture she sustained during the Winter Olympics.

The American skiing legend had returned to competition just nine days after suffering a left knee ligament rupture, only to crash into a gate 13 seconds into her downhill run in Cortina.

Vonn was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, where medical staff diagnosed her with a complex fracture of the tibia in her left leg.

On Instagram, the 41-year-old athlete revealed that she is scheduled for a fourth surgery on Saturday, with another procedure to follow upon her return to the United States.

Vonn described her experience in the hospital as challenging, stating that it has been a difficult few days.

Although she is starting to feel more like herself, Vonn acknowledged that she still has a long recovery ahead, with another surgery scheduled for the following day, which could potentially allow her to leave the hospital and return home, where she will require further surgical intervention.

At present, Vonn remains hospitalized and largely immobile, awaiting further imaging to determine the extent of her injuries.

As the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, Vonn had been seeking a triumphant conclusion to her illustrious career.

Having retired in 2019 as the most decorated female skier at the time, with a history of severe leg injuries, Vonn's decision to return to the sport in 2024 was a surprise to many.

After undergoing a partial replacement of her right knee, Vonn announced her comeback to skiing in 2024.

Since her return, she has achieved eight World Cup podium finishes, including two gold medals, and was considered a strong contender for a medal at her fifth and final Olympics.

Despite suffering an ACL injury in the final World Cup race before the Olympics, Vonn was determined to compete in Cortina, a course where she had previously enjoyed significant success.

In addition to sharing her recovery progress, Vonn expressed gratitude to those who have sent her well-wishes and support since her injury.

She stated, "I am deeply thankful to everyone who has sent me flowers, letters, and gifts, which has been incredibly uplifting and helpful during this time."

Vonn feels fortunate to have a strong support network, which she believes will aid her in overcoming this challenging period.

She conveyed her appreciation, saying, "I want to extend my thanks and express my pride in Team USA, whose performances have been a great source of inspiration and motivation for me."

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Lindsey Vonn's Winter Olympics downhill run ended in a crash.

A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available, featuring key events and schedules.

The full Winter Olympics schedule, including medal event timings, can be accessed.

The current Winter Olympics 2026 medal table is available for viewing.

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Lord Mandelson requested to assist US Congress investigation into Epstein case

Lord Mandelson has publicly voiced regret over his ongoing ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

A US Congressional inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's activities has led to a request for Peter Mandelson to provide information, citing his connections to the convicted financier.

Lord Mandelson sat down wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark glasses.

In correspondence with Lord Mandelson, two members of the House Oversight Committee, both Democrats, pointed out that his extensive social and professional links to Epstein make his input relevant to their investigation.

The committee members emphasized that Lord Mandelson's knowledge is crucial to understanding Epstein's operations and have asked him to participate in a recorded interview to share his insights.

Lord Mandelson has previously expressed remorse for maintaining a relationship with Epstein and offered apologies to the victims of Epstein's actions; his response to the current request is awaited.

As the committee lacks the authority to compel Lord Mandelson's testimony, the request is based on a voluntary basis, issued by Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam.

The Democratic representatives are seeking Lord Mandelson's cooperation in their probe into Epstein's alleged sex trafficking, aiming to gather information about his involvement and that of others.

Their goal is to identify individuals who may have enabled or conspired with Epstein, as well as to comprehend the scope of his criminal activities.

The letter to Lord Mandelson notes that despite no longer holding his former positions, his historical ties to Epstein and the knowledge he possesses make his contribution to the inquiry significant.

In light of the serious allegations surrounding Epstein, the committee has asked Lord Mandelson to make himself available for a formal, transcribed interview to discuss Epstein's crimes and those of his potential accomplices.

Lord Mandelson has been given a deadline of 27 February to respond to the request.

This development follows a similar request made to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor in November, in which 16 Democratic members of the oversight committee asked him to answer questions related to the Epstein investigation.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor had his titles revoked, including his prince designation, in October, amid ongoing scrutiny of his association with Epstein.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein's activities.

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Entertainment And Arts

Catherine Zeta-Jones Explores Art Collecting Before New Project

The actress states that her social circle is more heavily comprised of individuals from New York’s art scene than those associated with the Los Angeles film industry.

In a recent revelation, Catherine Zeta-Jones has embarked on a new hobby – art collecting – which interestingly parallels her latest role in a film.

Catherine Zeta-Jones attends a For Your Consideration event for the television series "Wednesday" in Los Angeles, November 2025. She wears a black dress with lace detailing and wears her long brown hair down.
Catherine Zeta-Jones describes herself as "a bit of an eclectic collector"

Zeta-Jones plays the part of an art consultant in The Gallerist, a movie that made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival just last month.

According to her, this hobby reflects a personal interest that has been growing over time, and her collection now includes works by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and contemporary artist Marc Quinn.

Born in Swansea, Zeta-Jones resides in New York with her husband, actor Michael Douglas, and notes that her social circle there comprises more individuals from the art world compared to her network in Los Angeles.

In an interview with People magazine, Zeta-Jones mentioned that she has spent more time on the East Coast with her husband and has not been actively involved in the Los Angeles social scene.

She stated that her social interactions are more frequent with business professionals, individuals from Wall Street, and those involved in the art world in New York.

Zeta-Jones has developed a strong affinity for the New York art scene, describing her collecting style as eclectic.

She has been gradually exploring the world of art, taking a cautious approach to this new interest.

On the occasion of their shared birthday, Michael Douglas gifted her a piece by Marc Quinn, known for his expensive artwork, including the sculpture Myth Venus, which sold for $1,325,000 at Christie's New York in 2014.

Quinn also created the notable installation Alison Lapper Pregnant, displayed on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2004.

Zeta-Jones expressed her fondness for sculpture, mentioning that she owns a Henry Moore piece, a gift from her father-in-law, Kirk, which she and her husband cherish.

A woman passes by a sculpture by Marc Quinn titled "Myth Venus" before the start of the afternoon session auction May 14, 2014 at Christie's Morning & Afternoon Session of Post-War and Contemporary Art in New York.
Myth Venus, a sculpture of model Kate Moss, is the artist Marc Quinn's most expensive work to date

The actress also enjoys visiting flea markets and purchasing artwork during her travels to different locations.

She shared that she likes to acquire a small memento from each place she visits as a reminder of her experiences.

This newfound interest in art presents a contrast to the darker tone of her film, The Gallerist, where she portrays an art consultant entangled in a plot to sell a deceased body as a work of art.

The comedy-thriller features a star-studded cast, including Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Charli xcx, and Zach Galifianakis, alongside Zeta-Jones.

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