The political landscape in Senegal has experienced a seismic shift as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, through an official decree issued on Friday, May 22. This abrupt decision comes after months of simmering internal conflicts, power struggles, and unspoken tensions at the highest levels of government. Just hours prior to the announcement, Sonko had delivered a highly symbolic address to Parliament, openly challenging the President’s authority. In a bold public statement, he asserted his role as a Prime Minister who “makes decisions without seeking permission”, a remark that underscored the growing rift between the two leaders.
Sonko, a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth, had been barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election and had previously endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his substitute in the race.
U.S. immigration policy tightens: green card applicants must apply from home countries
The administration has introduced a sweeping change to immigration procedures, requiring prospective green card applicants to submit their requests in their countries of origin. Previously, individuals on temporary visas could adjust their status while remaining in the United States, a process that allowed them to stay in the country during the evaluation of their applications. Under the new directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this pathway has been closed. Critics argue this decision will force “thousands of legal immigrants—including spouses of American citizens—to leave their homes, families, and jobs for weeks or months to complete the process”, as highlighted by Democratic Representative Chuy García.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns from top U.S. intelligence role to care for ill spouse
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has announced her resignation, effective June 30. In a public statement, she explained that she is stepping down to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Gabbard, known for advocating a more measured approach to foreign policy, has had a turbulent tenure overseeing 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. During her time in office, she was notably sidelined from critical national security matters, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
EU and Mexico expand trade partnership with sweeping tariff cuts
Mexico and the European Union have strengthened their long-standing trade agreement, first established in 2000. The revised deal eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe and expands cooperation in areas such as security, migration, clean energy, and digital trade. As global protectionist measures rise, the two partners are sending a clear message in favor of open trade, according to EU officials.
Hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship reaches twelve cases
A new case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The infected crew member had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands, bringing the total number of cases to twelve. The death toll remains unchanged at three, as confirmed by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who noted that no new fatalities have been reported since May 2, the date the outbreak was first declared to the WHO.