Political shake-up in Senegal as president faye dismisses prime minister sonko

Senegal faces political turmoil following an unexpected decision by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to terminate the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko via decree on May 22. The move has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, ending months of simmering tensions and internal power struggles at the highest levels of government.

Earlier that day, Ousmane Sonko had delivered a high-stakes address to Parliament, where he openly challenged the President’s authority. Sonko, a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth, publicly asserted his vision of a Prime Minister “making decisions without seeking prior approval”, signaling a clear departure from traditional executive practices. His prominence grew after he was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election and instead endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement.

United States tightens green card rules for immigrants

In a sweeping policy shift, the U.S. government has announced that applicants for permanent residency must now return to their home countries to complete their green card applications. Under the new directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), individuals previously able to apply for adjustment of status while in the U.S. on temporary visas will no longer be eligible. This change forces thousands of legal immigrants, including spouses of American citizens, to leave their homes, families, and jobs for extended periods to finalize their residency status.

The decision has sparked outrage, with critics calling it “cruel and nonsensical”. Democratic Representative Chuy García highlighted the human toll, emphasizing that even those who have complied with all legal requirements now face prolonged separation from their lives in America.

Tulsi Gabbard resigns from U.S. intelligence leadership

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has announced her resignation, effective June 30. Her departure comes as she steps away to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Gabbard, known for advocating a more measured approach to foreign policy, leaves behind a contentious tenure marked by limited influence over major national security decisions, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela.

Her resignation underscores the shifting dynamics within U.S. intelligence leadership amid broader geopolitical tensions.

EU and Mexico expand trade agreement

In a show of commitment to free trade, leaders from the European Union and Mexico have strengthened their bilateral partnership. President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa finalized revisions to their 2000 trade accord. The updated agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe and expands cooperation in security, migration, clean energy, and digital commerce.

The move sends a clear signal against rising protectionist trends, reinforcing the bloc’s stance on open trade.

Hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship reaches twelve cases

A new 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 infections to twelve. Despite the rise in cases, the death toll remains unchanged at three, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who noted no new fatalities since May 2.

The outbreak was first reported to the WHO in early May, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.