Senegal plunged into political turmoil as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye abruptly terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on May 22 through an official decree. The decision, described by local analysts as a “political earthquake,” followed months of escalating tensions within the executive branch, including public disagreements aired before parliament.
During a high-stakes address to legislators, Sonko openly asserted his independence from the presidency, declaring his role as a prime minister who “makes decisions without seeking permission.” The move comes after Sonko, a prominent youth leader prevented from running in the 2024 presidential election, had previously endorsed Faye as his substitute candidate. His dismissal signals a decisive shift in Senegal’s governance dynamics.
Trump administration tightens green card rules for immigrants
The U.S. government announced a sweeping policy change on Friday, requiring all green card applicants—including legal residents such as spouses of American citizens—to return to their home countries to complete the application process. Previously, individuals holding temporary visas could file for permanent residency from within the United States under an “adjustment of status” provision.
The new directive, enforced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), eliminates this pathway, forcing thousands of legal immigrants to endure prolonged separations from their families and livelihoods while awaiting approval. Critics have condemned the measure as both “absurd and cruel,” warning of its devastating impact on law-abiding immigrants striving for stability.
U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence and a vocal advocate for a more restrained foreign policy, submitted her resignation to President Donald Trump on Friday. In a statement, she cited her commitment to supporting her husband, who is battling a rare bone cancer, as her primary reason for stepping down. Her departure, effective June 30, concludes a turbulent tenure marked by marginalization from critical national security discussions, including operations in Iran and Venezuela.
EU and Mexico expand trade partnership with new accord
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum formalized an enhanced trade agreement between the European Union and Mexico on Friday. The revised pact eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe while strengthening collaboration in security, migration, clean energy, and digital commerce.
Amid rising global protectionism, the agreement sends a clear message of commitment to free trade, reinforcing economic ties between two key partners. Officials emphasized the deal’s potential to foster sustainable growth and innovation across both regions.
Another hantavirus case confirmed on cruise ship MV Hondius
A crew member from the MV Hondius, who had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands, tested positive for hantavirus on Friday, bringing the total confirmed cases to twelve. Health authorities reported no new fatalities, maintaining the death toll at three since the outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 2.
