In a dramatic political development, Senegal‘s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko through a presidential decree issued on May 22. This decision follows months of behind-the-scenes power struggles and deep-seated tensions within the executive branch. Hours before his dismissal, Sonko had openly challenged the president’s authority during a parliamentary session, asserting his role as a “decision-maker who answers to no one”. The move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly among Senegal’s youth, who view Sonko as a populist icon after he was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election and endorsed Faye as his replacement.
United States tightens green card application process
In a sweeping policy shift, the U.S. government has announced that applicants for permanent residency, commonly known as the green card, must now return to their home countries to complete the process. Previously, individuals on temporary visas could apply for residency adjustments while remaining in the U.S. The new directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) removes this option, forcing legal immigrants—including spouses of U.S. citizens—to leave the country for weeks or months. Critics condemn the measure as “cruel and illogical”, warning it will disrupt families, careers, and livelihoods across the nation.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns from U.S. intelligence leadership
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has stepped down effective June 30, citing personal reasons related to her husband’s rare bone cancer diagnosis. Gabbard, known for advocating a more restrained foreign policy, leaves behind a tumultuous tenure marked by limited influence over major national security decisions. During her time leading the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, she was notably sidelined from critical discussions, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela, according to insiders.
EU and Mexico expand trade partnership
In a show of commitment to free trade amid rising protectionist trends, leaders from the European Union and Mexico have strengthened their commercial ties. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa formalized revisions to their 2000 trade agreement. Key provisions include the elimination of tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe and expanded cooperation in security, migration, clean energy, and digital commerce. The agreement sends a clear message of resilience against trade barriers, officials noted.
New hantavirus case detected on cruise ship
A fresh case of hantavirus has been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, bringing the total number of infections to twelve. The latest patient, a crew member, was transferred to the Netherlands after disembarking in Tenerife. The death toll remains at three, with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming no new fatalities since the outbreak was first reported on May 2. The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely as authorities investigate the source of transmission.
