Israel releases Palestinian prisoners after delay over chaotic hostage handover

Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, looked fearful and struggled to walk through the crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in a tense scene in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also released along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza when the militants burst through the border fence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their chaotic handover was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages.

He and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they had ordered a delay in the releases of the prisoners "until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured". The prime minister's office said later that mediators had committed to ensuring the safe passage of hostages in future handovers.

Later on Thursday, buses arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah carrying some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the phased agreement that halted more than 15 months of war in the coastal territory on Jan. 19.

The prisoners were met by cheering crowds in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, with men chanting "we sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the leaders of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas' rival the Fatah group, was the most prominent Palestinian prisoner to be freed. He escaped prison in 2021 with three other inmates but was then recaptured.

Zubaidi has always been known as the strongman of the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and site of frequent Israeli army raids, including a major operation just a week ago.

"Thank God who blessed me with the release today. May the souls of the martyrs of Gaza rest in peace," Zubaidi told jubilant crowds who had gathered to greet him in Ramallah.

Asked about reports Israel would not allow him to return home to the Jenin refugee camp, Zubaidi replied, "The dragon is the owner of the land and the hunter must leave".

He is known in Jenin as the dragon.

CLASHES IN RAMALLAH

Palestinian health officials said at least 14 Palestinians were hurt by Israeli fire, some with live and rubber bullets, others from gas inhalation, as they gathered at the entrance to Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees.

Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones towards police and then running away as police began firing.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Some prisoners from East Jerusalem had arrived at their homes while others were taken to Gaza or deported to Egypt.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," a statement from her family said. "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

A video released by Netanyahu's office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mother's lap.

Footage of 80-year-old Moses reuniting with his family showed him walking unaided. A doctor said Moses was in a relatively good condition but would continue to be monitored.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier in the war after the security failure that enabled the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.

HAMAS DEFIANCE

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite more than 15 months of heavy bombardment from the Middle East's most advanced military and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

"The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn," senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwar's house.

The Palestinian prisoners include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with family members of hostages and others.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the dead and abducted were dozens of Thai agricultural workers.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah, striking major blows against Iran's network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

After the hostages were released, Hamas confirmed that military leader Mohammed Deif, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack, had been killed, more than five months after Israel claimed in August to have killed him in a July airstrike.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Moscow updates estimate of Ukrainian military losses

Ukraine has been losing around 50,000 servicemen every month during the past half a year in the conflict with Russia, according to estimates by the Defense Ministry in Moscow.

In January, 51,960 Kiev troops were killed or severely wounded. The figure stood at 48,470 in December and 60,805 in November last year, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The number of recruits in the Ukrainian military’s training centers has barely reached 30,000 per month since last summer, despite extensive mobilization efforts, the statement read.

The ministry also noted that, according to official Ukrainian figures, some 100,000 of the country’s troops have voluntarily abandoned their units since the escalation between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022.

“The changes to the legislation prepared by the Kiev regime under pressure from Western countries to reduce the mobilization age from 25 to 18 years are the only way for [Ukrainian leader Vladimir] Zelensky to delay the cascading collapse of the front line in Donbass for a few more months,” the statement read.

Last week, Nikolay Schur, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s office, said the government in Kiev will propose amendments in the coming days that offer incentives for males between the ages of 18 and 25 to sign voluntary contracts with the armed forces.

Men in that age group are currently not subject to mandatory mobilization under Ukrainian law. Zelensky has so far insisted that the situation will not change, despite the previous US administration of President Joe Biden reportedly pressuring Kiev to reduce the draft age to 18.

The Ukrainian leader told Bloomberg last week that what his country’s military needs is not more men, but more weapons from Western backers for the existing troops.

Last spring, faced with manpower shortages, mounting losses, and military setbacks, Ukraine lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 and significantly tightened mobilization rules. Since then, numerous videos have appeared on social media showing Ukrainian conscription officers chasing potential recruits in the streets, brawling with them, and subjecting them to abuse. Reports of the mobilization growing increasingly violent and lawless have appeared not only in the local media, but also in the West.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russian drone strikes apartment block in Ukraine, killing nine, Zelenskiy says

A Russian drone struck a multi-storey apartment building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy early on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring 13, including a child, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

"Hour by hour we get updates on the situation in Sumy. Work at the site of the impact of a Russian 'Shahed' (drone) are proceeding," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"This has become a hallmark of Russian actions -- destroying the lives of many families of an entire building. Every such strike needs an answer from the world," he said. "Terror cannot be left unpunished."

Russia launched 81 drones at Ukraine overnight, damaging businesses and homes around the country, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday.

The air force shot down 37 drones, while 39 others did not reach their targets. It did not specify what happened to the five remaining drones.

Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artyukh, shown in a video on Telegram in the night in front of a crane and piles of rubble, said emergency services were pulling residents out from parts of the building.

The attack destroyed five apartments and damaged over 20 cars, authorities said. Online pictures showed emergency crews sifting through rubble.

The region borders Russia's Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August 2024, and has been regularly attacked by Russian drones.

An overnight attack on the southern region of Odesa damaged a grain warehouse, a hospital and two private residences without causing any casualties, according to the governor.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians but thousands have been killed and injured after Moscow's troops launched a full-scale invasionof Ukraine in February 2022.

RT/Reuters

Nathan Miller

Key Takeaways

• Small businesses showcase optimism for 2025 despite economic challenges such as inflation, rising operational costs and unpredictable interest rates.
• Adaptability, financial prudence and a customer-first approach are key strategies for small businesses navigating the economic volatility.
• Property management industry insights reveal the importance of leveraging technology and customer feedback to maintain a competitive edge.

The Small Business Optimism Index from the National Federation of Independent Business is trending upward as we begin 2025. Still, small businesses continue to face nationwide challenges from rising operational costs to supply chain disruptions to wage pressures. Unpredictable inflation and fluctuating interest rates remain a major source of concern for small business owners, who must make critical strategic decisions to navigate economic uncertainty with resilience.

During periods of economic uncertainty — likely to persist in the future — small businesses confront a mix of challenges and opportunities. Adaptability and proactivity are essential to riding these waves and positioning your business not only to survive but also to thrive.

In my specific niche within the property management industry, I have seen firsthand how economic pressures impact business owners, real estate investors and tenants. Here are some of the tried-and-true strategies I've found have helped my business emerge stronger, no matter the conditions.

Build financial foundations for long-term stability

Inflation has affected everything from raw materials and supply chains to labor and rent expenses, putting pressure on small businesses to stretch their budgets even further. As costs rise, consumer spending has also become less predictable, with many households limiting discretionary purchases. These tighter margins create a more challenging growth path for many small businesses. Coupled with rising interest rates, it has become increasingly difficult for small businesses to secure financing for growth or even basic working capital, as the cost of borrowing has skyrocketed.

Choosing to grow my company organically — focusing on gradual and sustainable expansion — has allowed us to remain debt-free and independent of outside funding for nearly two decades, even through challenging economic fluctuations. By maximizing lean and profitable operations when necessary, we have been able to reinvest our savings back into the business, driving innovation and growth without jeopardizing our financial stability. This approach keeps us agile, resilient and in full control of our company's future, offering a significant advantage in any volatile landscape.

Effective cash flow management is critical to your day-to-day operations, and regularly reassessing your budget will help you prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Building financial reserves and establishing an emergency fund are vital strategies for covering unexpected downturns without relying on outside funding, giving your business the freedom to weather challenging periods with confidence and stability.

Adapt to embrace market shifts

Regardless of the economic climate, evolving customer demands, advancing technology and increasing competition will continue to drive change, requiring small businesses to pivot and adapt. It is essential to shape your products, services and overall business model to consistently deliver value to your customers. In the SaaS space, I learned early in our growth that we needed to stay nimble to stand out in a rapidly growing market. Our unique business model has enabled us to stay innovative, powering our growth and success, which is ultimately driven by the success of our clients.

Embracing tools and technology that boost efficiency is crucial to gaining a competitive edge, reducing operational costs and freeing up resources for strategic growth. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example of an opportunity to adopt automation without completely losing the human element that defines small businesses. My company integrates AI across various departments — from software development to marketing to web design — but we are careful to preserve the personal, human connection that makes all the difference in our customer service.

Listen to your customers and make data-driven decisions that are informed and effective. In my case, this means our team is continuously releasing software upgrades and new features based on client feedback and real property management pain points. This approach fosters loyalty among our clients, which helps us stay relevant and resilient as the market evolves.

Maintain a customers-first mindset

What benefits your customers will ultimately benefit your business. Our business model revolves around outstanding customer serviceand prioritizes the success of our clients over profit — all of our decisions are made with our customers' best interests in mind. I strongly believe that this core value has propelled our sustained growth and national recognition, setting us apart from much larger competitors.

A customer-centric approach is essential for building brand trust and loyalty, which will be key assets during challenging economic times. In uncertainty, prioritize clear and consistent communication with your customers offering regular updates, transparent explanations and prompt responses to keep them informed and engaged. To consistently deliver value, consider anything extra you can offer when times are tough — flexible payment arrangements, personalized support, etc. A stable and loyal customer base will continue to rely on you, even in uncertain economic conditions.

While we can't predict the future, we do know that resilience is key during uncertain times. Recent data shows that 52% of small businesses plan to increase their staff and 66% expect increased revenue in the next 12 months — leaving me feeling optimistic as we enter the new year. Short-term hurdles can certainly test our patience, but maintaining a focus on long-term goals and staying committed to core values will ultimately drive sustained success.

Entrepreneur

Nigeria's digital payment ecosystem has reached a significant milestone, with electronic transactions totaling N1.07 quadrillion in 2024, marking the first time transactions have crossed the quadrillion naira threshold. This figure, equivalent to approximately $702.6 billion at the reported year-end exchange rate, represents a 79.6% increase from the previous year's N600 trillion.

The NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform processed 11.2 billion transactions throughout the year, up 15.5% from 9.7 billion in 2023. December 2024 saw peak activity with N115.1 trillion in transactions, attributed to increased festive season spending.

This dramatic growth in digital payments appears to be driven by several factors:

1. Policy Environment: The Central Bank of Nigeria's cashless policy, implemented in January 2023, which capped weekly cash withdrawals at N500,000 for individuals and N5 million for corporations.

2. Infrastructure Development: The widespread adoption of various payment channels including mobile apps, USSD, POS terminals, and internet banking.

3. Consumer Adaptation: Growing comfort with digital payment methods among Nigerians, particularly following the cash shortages experienced in early 2023.

Analysis:

The reported growth in digital payments signals several important developments:

1. Digital Transformation: The sharp increase in both transaction value and volume suggests an accelerating shift toward digital financial services in Nigeria.

2. Financial Inclusion: The growth in transaction volume indicates broader adoption of digital payments across different segments of society.

3. Economic Implications: The significant increase in transaction value could indicate:

   - Growing economic activity

   - Increased formalization of the economy

   - Reduced dependency on cash transactions

4. Policy Effectiveness: The success of the CBN's cashless policy in driving behavioral change among Nigerians.

Taimur Samad, the World Bank’s Deputy Country Director for Nigeria, revealed that more than two-thirds of Nigerian girls abandon their education before reaching junior secondary school. Samad made this disclosure on Tuesday while representing the Country Director, Ndiame Diop, at a national conference on girls’ education and empowerment in Abuja. The event, themed “Effective Partnerships on Girls’ Education, Out-of-School Children Education for National Development,” was organized by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).

Samad highlighted the major barriers to girl-child education in Nigeria, including high dropout rates, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies. He stated, “Over 66% of girls in Nigeria drop out of school before junior secondary school. Additionally, 35% are married by the age of 15, and 45% give birth before turning 18.” Despite these challenges, he praised the efforts of the federal government, state governors, and traditional leaders through AGILE programs, which have reached over 25 million children across 18 states. More than four million children, including 2.2 million girls, have benefited from improved educational facilities.

Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue. He announced the launch of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a strategic effort to tackle systemic challenges in the education sector, with a focus on girls’ education. Alausa urged traditional and religious leaders to act as gatekeepers in their communities, ensuring widespread support for these initiatives. “For Nigeria to achieve its educational and development goals, we must move beyond policies and programs. Continuous advocacy, sensitization, and community engagement are essential,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, echoed the call for action, stressing the importance of implementation over policy formation. “Implementation is what we need. All hands must be on deck to eliminate the barriers hindering the education of the girl-child in Nigeria,” he said. He expressed confidence in the commitment of leaders and the National Assembly to support these efforts.

Analysis of Implications for National Development and Security:

1. Economic Development:

   - The high dropout rate among girls has long-term economic consequences. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and break the cycle of poverty. By failing to educate its female population, Nigeria is losing out on a significant portion of its potential human capital, which is critical for sustainable development.

2. Social Development:

   - Early marriages and teenage pregnancies perpetuate gender inequality and limit opportunities for girls to contribute meaningfully to society. Educated women are more likely to raise healthier, better-educated children, creating a positive ripple effect across generations. The lack of education for girls exacerbates social issues such as child mortality, malnutrition, and poor health outcomes.

3. National Security:

   - The large number of out-of-school children, particularly girls, poses a security risk. Uneducated and disenfranchised youth are more vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups, criminal organizations, and human traffickers. Addressing the education gap is essential for reducing the pool of individuals susceptible to recruitment into such activities.

4. Policy Implementation:

   - While initiatives like AGILE and NESRI are commendable, the real challenge lies in implementation. The Sultan of Sokoto’s emphasis on moving beyond policy formation highlights the need for actionable steps and accountability. Effective implementation requires collaboration among federal and state governments, traditional and religious leaders, and communities.

5. Cultural and Structural Barriers:

   - Deep-rooted cultural norms, such as early marriage and gender biases, continue to hinder girls’ education. Tackling these issues requires not only policy interventions but also sustained advocacy and community engagement. Traditional and religious leaders, as influential gatekeepers, play a crucial role in shifting societal attitudes.

6. Global Reputation:

   - Nigeria’s inability to address the education gap, particularly for girls, tarnishes its global reputation and undermines its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

In conclusion, the high dropout rate among Nigerian girls is not just an educational issue but a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching implications for national development and security. Addressing it requires a holistic approach that combines policy reforms, community engagement, and sustained investment in education. Failure to act decisively could hinder Nigeria’s progress toward achieving its development goals and exacerbate existing social and security challenges.

The Federal Government, acting through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has imposed a three-month suspension on Max Air’s domestic operations following a recent incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano. The decision comes after a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:51 PM.

This marks the third incident involving a Max Air aircraft within the past three months. Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, the aircraft was temporarily grounded, and the runway was closed until 8:00 AM on Wednesday, when it was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The NCAA, in a statement, confirmed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s inquiry. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the specific cause of the incident can only be determined after the NSIB completes its investigation.

Achimugu also noted that the NCAA had been conducting organizational risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air, which were nearing completion. However, in light of the recent incident, Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be suspended for three months, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025. This suspension will allow the airline’s management to conduct an internal review of its operations.

During the suspension period, the NCAA will carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety audit will involve a re-evaluation of the airline’s organizational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as outlined in Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Simultaneously, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial stability to ensure it can sustain safe flight operations.

Max Air’s resumption of domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of these audits. The NCAA acknowledged the potential inconvenience to passengers but stressed that passenger safety and well-being remain its top priority. The authority urged the public for patience and understanding as it works to uphold passenger rights and ensure aviation safety.

Israeli troops to remain in Jenin refugee camp, defence minister says

Israeli troops will remain in the Palestinians' Jenin refugee camp once the large-scale raid they launched last week is complete, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday as a crackdown in the occupied West Bank extended into a second week.

Hundreds of Israeli troops backed by helicopters, drones and armoured vehicles have been fighting sporadic gunbattles with Palestinian militants while carrying out searches in the streets and alleyways for weapons and equipment.

"The Jenin refugee camp will not be what it was," Katz said during a visit to the refugee camp. "After the operation is completed, IDF forces will remain in the camp to ensure that terrorism does not return."

He did not give details and a military spokesperson declined to comment.

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned what it called Katz's "provocative" statement and called for international pressure on Israel to stop the operation, which has already been condemned by countries including France and Jordan.

Israeli forces went into Jenin immediately after the start of a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, saying it aimed to hit militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which receive support from Iran.

Israel regards the West Bank as one part of a multi-front war against Iranian-backed groups established around its borders, from Gaza to Lebanon and including the Houthis in Yemen, and it turned its attention to the area immediately after the halt to fighting in Gaza.

At least 17 Palestinians, including six members of armed militant groups and a two-year-old girl, have been killed in Jenin and the surrounding villages during the operation, according to Palestinian officials.

The military said forces had killed at least 18 militants and detained 60 wanted individuals, dismantling over 100 explosive devices and seizing a weapons manufacturing workshop.

An investigation into the death of the girl is still ongoing, a spokesperson said.

Within the camp, dozens of houses have been demolished and roads have been dug up by special armoured bulldozers, driving thousands of people from their homes. Water has been cut and Palestinian officials say at least 80% of the camp's inhabitants have been forced to leave their homes.

"It's terrifying, the explosions the fires, the houses which were demolished," said Intisar Amalka, a displaced camp resident who said her nephew's car had been destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer.

SPREAD OF ARMY ROADBLOCKS SNARL PALESTINIAN LIFE

The Jenin refugee camp, a crowded township built for descendants of Palestinians who fled their homes or were driven out in the 1948 Middle East war around the creation of the state of Israel, has been a centre of militant activity for decades and the target of repeated raids by Israeli troops.

Just prior to the latest raid, security forces of the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited governance in parts of the West Bank, conducted a weeks-long operation of its own in a bid to reassert control in Jenin.

As the fighting in Gaza has subsided, at least for the moment, Israeli forces have stepped up operations across the area, setting up checkpoints and roadblocks which have made travelling even short distances between towns and villages an hours-long trial for Palestinians.

Elsewhere in the northern West Bank, Israeli forces have been carrying out an operation in Tulkarm, another volatile city where they have clashed repeatedly with militants recently, moving into the city itself as well as into its refugee camp.

The West Bank, a kidney-shaped stretch of land about 100 kilometres (62 miles) long, was seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and is seen by Palestinians as the core of a future independent state, along with Gaza.

It has seen a surge in violence since the start of the war in Gaza in which hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, many of them armed gunmen but also including stone-throwing youths or uninvolved civilians, and thousands have been arrested.

Palestinian attacks in the West Bank and Israel have also killed dozens of Israelis

Reuters

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially confirmed the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc, marking the completion of their exit process.

In a statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS announced that the withdrawal of the three junta-led states became effective on January 29, 2025.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” the statement read.

The decision follows the three countries’ joint announcement in January 2024 to leave ECOWAS after the bloc imposed sanctions and demanded a return to democratic rule in Niger following a 2023 military coup.

Sahel States Form Alternative Bloc

Rather than complying with ECOWAS directives, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger chose to form their own regional alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The bloc has since introduced its own biometric passports and is pursuing closer military and economic ties among its members.

ECOWAS Maintains Diplomatic Channels

Despite their formal withdrawal, ECOWAS said its remaining members have tentatively agreed to maintain some level of cooperation with the departing states.

These include:

• Recognizing national passports and identity documents bearing the ECOWAS logo

• Allowing continued trade under existing regional agreements

• Maintaining diplomatic relations

In December 2024, ECOWAS had given the three nations a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision, but the withdrawal has now been finalized.

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” the statement added.

The exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, as ECOWAS grapples with the impact of military takeovers and political instability in West Africa.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine mounts big drone attack, says it hit Russian refinery

Ukraine said on Wednesday it had struck a big Russian oil refinery in an overnight drone attack, and a Russian official said an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on a nuclear power plant had been thwarted.

The Ukrainian military said the strike on the refinery in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region had caused a large fire. Reuters was able to verify a video posted on social media that showed orange flames lighting up the night sky in the city of Kstovo, but could not confirm it was the refinery that was burning.

Lukoil's NORSI refinery, Russia's fourth largest, is based in Kstovo, which lies east of Moscow and about 800 km (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Russian petrochemicals giant Sibur said it had temporarily suspended operations at its plant, also in Kstovo, on Wednesday morning after debris from a Ukrainian drone sparked a fire. It said the blaze was later contained, and there were no casualties.

Ukraine has carried out frequent air attacks on Russian refineries, oil depots and industrial sites in an attempt to cripple key infrastructure underpinning Russia's war effort.

Russia is currently feeding more crude oil through its refineries in the hope of boosting fuel exports after new U.S. sanctions on Russian tankers and traders made exports of unprocessed crude more difficult, sources told Reuters this week. A Ukrainian drone attack last week forced a refinery in Ryazan, southeast of Moscow, to suspend operations.

NUCLEAR PLANT

The governor of Russia's western Smolensk region said on Wednesday that air defence systems had destroyed a drone attempting to strike a nuclear power plant there. The plant was working normally, the RIA state news agency reported, citing its press service.

Reuters could not independently verify the report.

The governor of Belgorod, another western region, said a mother and her two-year-old child had been killed when a drone struck a family home there. He said the child's father and another child had been wounded and taken to hospital.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in their attacks in the war that Russia launched in February 2022. But thousands of civilians, mostly Ukrainians, have been killed.

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Telegram that 104 Ukrainian drones had been involved in raids across western Russia, 11 of which were destroyed over the Smolensk region.

In total, Russian air defences destroyed drones over nine regions, nearly half of them over Kursk, where Russian forces are fighting to drive out Ukrainian troops who fought their way across the border last August.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian troops liberate Novoyelizavetovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russian troops liberated the community of Novoyelizavetovka in the Donbass region over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.

"Battlegroup Center liberated the settlement of Novoyelizavetovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic through active operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 30 casualties on Ukrainian army in Kharkov area

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 30 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units operating in the Kharkov direction inflicted casualties on formations of a motorized infantry and an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army in areas near the settlements of Liptsy and Volchansk in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 30 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, a motor vehicle and two field artillery guns in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts 320 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 320 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units improved their tactical position and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of a tank brigade, a mechanized brigade and an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army and a National Guard brigade near the settlements of Topoli, Lozovaya and Zelyony Gai in the Kharkov Region and Grigorovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 320 personnel, a tank, three armored combat vehicles, including two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, eight motor vehicles and six field artillery guns, among them two Western-made weapons, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed two Nota electronic warfare stations and three ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army over the past 24 hours, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 220 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 220 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units took better lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Verkhnekamenskoye, Yantarnoye, Orekhovo-Vasilevka and Chasov Yar in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 220 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, five motor vehicles and two field artillery guns in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 520 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 520 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made jamming station in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

During the last 24-hour period, Battlegroup Center units "inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of three mechanized and a jaeger brigade of the Ukrainian army and a National Guard brigade in areas near the settlements of Andreyevka, Novopavlovka, Udachnoye, Shcherbinovka and Tarasovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 520 personnel, a tank, seven armored combat vehicles, including two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, seven motor vehicles, five field artillery guns and a US-manufactured AN/TPQ-37 counterbattery radar station, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts over 135 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 135 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units kept advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted casualties on formations of a mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Razliv and Konstantinopol in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to more than 135 personnel, a tank and four field artillery guns, including a Western-made weapon, it specified.

Reuters/Tass

I’ve always been told to ask a couple questions at the end of job interviews: What does a typical day look like in this position? What kinds of challenges does someone in this role typically face?
But nobody’s ever told me how to find out what kind of boss I’d be working for. A job interview should help you vet your potential employer and manager just as much as they’re vetting you — and one question can help you get a pretty good idea, says Deepali Vyas, the global head of fintech, payments and crypto practice at Korn Ferry.
The question: How would your current team describe you and your leadership style?
Use it to see if your future manager is flexible and trusting with their reports, and whether they micromanage, Vyas says. Her example of a good response: I give them enough leash to let them run with an idea, and I help them when they’re actually in need.
If your interviewer displays “green flag” leadership traits like empathy, transparency, emotional intelligence and accountability, you might enjoy working for them someday. It matters: A bad boss can quickly turn even a well-paid dream job into a nightmare.
If they respond that “people follow my lead or do what I say,” Vyas says, “those are red flags.”

CNBC