The political landscape in Sénégal has been rocked by an unexpected announcement as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in a decisive decree issued this past Friday, May 22. The move, described by analysts as a “political earthquake”, comes after months of simmering internal tensions, power struggles, and growing rifts within the executive branch of government.

Hours before the announcement, Ousmane Sonko had publicly confronted the president during a high-stakes address to the Parliament. In a bold display of defiance, the outgoing prime minister “reaffirmed his right to make decisions independently, without prior approval”, signaling a clear divergence in governance style and political vision, according to reports from local media outlets.

Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure among Sénégal’s youth, was initially barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to legal challenges. He subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement, a decision that played a pivotal role in Faye’s electoral victory.

United States tightens green card application rules for immigrants

The administration under President Donald Trump has implemented a sweeping change to immigration policy, mandating that all green card applicants must now submit their requests from their country of origin. This policy shift effectively ends the previous practice of “adjustment of status”, which allowed individuals already in the United States on temporary visas to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.

The new directive, enforced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers. Critics argue that the rule “forces legal immigrants—including spouses of U.S. citizens—to leave their homes, jobs, and families for extended periods”, creating unnecessary hardship and uncertainty during an already complex process.

Tulsi Gabbard resigns from top U.S. intelligence role

In a significant shake-up within the American intelligence community, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has announced her resignation, effective June 30. Gabbard cited a desire to “support her husband as he battles a rare form of bone cancer” as the primary reason for her departure.

Her time leading the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies was marked by limited involvement in major national security decisions, including sensitive operations in Iran and Venezuela. Analysts note that her resignation reflects broader shifts in the administration’s approach to intelligence and foreign policy.

European Union and Mexico expand trade partnership

In a strategic move to bolster economic ties, leaders from the European Union and Mexico have finalized an updated trade agreement that significantly strengthens their commercial relationship. The revised pact, which builds on a framework established in 2000, “eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe” while also enhancing cooperation in areas such as clean energy, digital trade, migration management, and security.

The agreement sends a clear message amid rising global protectionism, signaling both partners’ commitment to “open and mutually beneficial trade”, according to statements from the European Commission.

Second hantavirus case confirmed aboard cruise ship

A new case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, bringing the total number of cases to twelve. The infected individual, a crew member, was “disembarked in Tenerife and later transferred to the Netherlands for medical treatment”, according to health authorities.

The death toll remains unchanged at three, with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming no new fatalities since the outbreak was first reported on May 2. Global health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the vessel undergoes enhanced sanitation and screening protocols.