Senegal political shake-up: President Faye dismisses Prime Minister Sonko

The political landscape in Senegal has been dramatically reshaped following an unexpected decision by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. On May 22, he signed a decree terminating the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, marking a significant shift in the country’s executive leadership.

This abrupt change concludes months of simmering tensions and internal power struggles within the government. Sources close to the administration noted that Sonko, a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth, had been at odds with the president for some time. His public statements before Parliament the day before his dismissal underscored these divisions, with Sonko asserting his independence by declaring, “A Prime Minister who makes decisions without seeking permission”.

Notably, Sonko had been barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, prompting him to support Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement in the race. His removal from office signals a decisive moment in Senegal’s political trajectory, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s governance.

U.S. immigration policy tightens: green card applicants must apply from abroad

The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping change to U.S. immigration procedures. Effective immediately, individuals seeking permanent residency—commonly known as a green card—must now submit their applications from their country of origin. This policy reverses a long-standing practice that allowed temporary visa holders to adjust their status while remaining in the United States.

Under the new directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), even legal immigrants such as spouses of American citizens will be required to leave the country for weeks or months to complete the process. Critics argue that this measure, described as “absurd and cruel”, disrupts families, jobs, and livelihoods, creating unnecessary hardship for those pursuing lawful residency.

U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns amid personal health crisis

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has announced her resignation, effective June 30. In a statement, she cited the need to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer, as the reason for her departure. Gabbard, known for advocating a more measured approach to foreign policy, has served in a role that placed her at the helm of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies.

Her tenure was marked by limited involvement in critical national security matters, particularly military operations in regions like Iran and Venezuela. Colleagues noted that her departure would conclude a period of constrained influence within the White House, where key decisions were increasingly centralized under other leadership.

EU and Mexico strengthen trade ties with expanded partnership

Mexico and the European Union have finalized an enhanced trade agreement, reinforcing economic bonds that date back to 2000. The revised pact eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe while expanding cooperation in security, migration, clean energy, and digital trade.

In a global climate marked by rising protectionism, the renewed commitment to free trade sends a strong signal of transatlantic unity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that both regions remain committed to open and inclusive economic policies.

Hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship reaches 12 cases

The global health alert surrounding the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has intensified. Health authorities confirmed a new case involving a crew member who had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands for treatment. This brings the total number of infections to 12, though the death toll remains at three, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that no new fatalities have been recorded since the outbreak was first reported on May 2. The situation continues to be monitored closely, with health agencies emphasizing the importance of containment measures to prevent further spread.