Senegal political shake-up as president faye dismisses prime minister sonko

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Sénégal’s political landscape, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko via a presidential decree issued on Friday, May 22. The decision follows months of simmering tensions within the executive branch, culminating in a high-stakes parliamentary session where the Prime Minister publicly challenged the President’s authority.

During the address to lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure among Sénégal’s youth, openly asserted his independence by declaring that he would make decisions “without seeking permission”. This bold stance underscored the deepening rift between the two leaders, who had previously been allies in a political strategy that saw Faye replace Sonko as the presidential candidate in the 2024 election after the latter was barred from running.

United States tightens green card rules, forcing applicants abroad

The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping change to immigration policy, requiring all green card applicants to submit their requests from their country of origin. Previously, individuals holding temporary residency visas could adjust their status while remaining in the United States, a process that allowed them to stay legally during the review period.

Under the new directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this pathway is no longer available. Critics argue the measure will disproportionately affect legal immigrants, including spouses of U.S. citizens, who may now face weeks or months away from their homes, families, and livelihoods to complete the application process. The policy has been widely condemned as both “absurd and cruel” by lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Tulsi Gabbard resigns from top U.S. intelligence role

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and a vocal advocate for a more restrained foreign policy, has submitted her resignation to President Donald Trump. In an official statement, Gabbard cited personal reasons, explaining that she is leaving her post to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer.

Her departure, effective June 30, will conclude a turbulent tenure at the helm of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. During her time in office, Gabbard was notably sidelined from critical national security dossiers, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela, as reported by senior officials familiar with the matter.

EU and Mexico expand trade partnership to counter protectionism

In a strategic move to bolster economic ties, leaders from the European Union and Mexico have strengthened their trade agreement, first enacted in 2000. The revised pact eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe while also deepening collaboration in security, migration management, clean energy, and digital trade.

The initiative sends a clear message in an era of rising protectionist measures, reaffirming the partners’ commitment to open and mutually beneficial trade relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jointly emphasized the agreement’s potential to foster sustainable growth and resilience in both regions.

New hantavirus case detected among crew members of MV Hondius

A fresh case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed in a crew member of the MV Hondius cruise ship. The individual, who had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands, brings the total number of cases to twelve. However, the death toll remains unchanged at three fatalities, according to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that no new deaths have been reported since the outbreak was first declared on May 2. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, implementing containment measures to prevent further spread of the virus.