Senegal faces a major political upheaval as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko through an official decree issued on Friday, May 22. The decision comes amid months of simmering tensions within the executive branch, culminating in public clashes between the head of government and the head of state.
During a high-stakes parliamentary session, Ousmane Sonko openly challenged the authority of President Faye, asserting his role as a decision-maker who acts independently. The move shocked political observers, as Sonko had previously stepped aside from the 2024 presidential race—allowing Faye to run in his place—and was widely seen as a key figure in the current administration.
Immigration policy shift in the United States
The Trump administration introduced a controversial new rule requiring green card applicants to submit their requests from their home countries, rather than applying for an adjustment of status while in the U.S. on temporary visas. The change, effective immediately, has drawn sharp criticism from advocates who argue it will disrupt the lives of legal immigrants, including spouses of U.S. citizens, forcing them to leave their homes, jobs, and families for extended periods.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns from U.S. intelligence leadership
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), announced her resignation, citing personal reasons tied to her husband’s battle with a rare bone cancer. Her departure, effective June 30, marks the end of a contentious tenure during which she was largely sidelined from critical national security discussions, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
EU and Mexico expand trade partnership
Leaders from Mexico and the European Union reinforced their trade alliance, eliminating tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe. The revised agreement also strengthens cooperation in security, migration, clean energy, and digital trade. Officials emphasized the pact as a reaffirmation of their commitment to free trade amid rising global protectionism.
Hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship worsens
A new case of hantavirus was confirmed among a crew member of the MV Hondius, bringing the total infections to twelve. The individual, who had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands, remains one of three fatalities linked to the outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). No additional deaths have been reported since May 2.
