In a decisive political move, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Senegal has terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko through an official decree issued on May 22. This abrupt decision follows months of escalating internal tensions and unaddressed power struggles within the executive branch. Just hours before the dismissal, Sonko had delivered a highly symbolic address to Parliament, openly challenging the President’s authority.
During his parliamentary appearance, Sonko boldly asserted his role as Prime Minister, declaring that he would make decisions independently without seeking prior approval. His remarks underscored a growing rift between the two leaders, despite Sonko’s prior influence as a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth. Notably, Sonko had been barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, leading him to endorse Faye’s candidacy in his place.
new us immigration rule complicates green card process
The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping change to U.S. immigration policy, requiring applicants for permanent residency—the coveted green card—to submit their requests from their country of origin. Previously, individuals holding temporary visas could adjust their status while remaining in the United States, allowing them to continue living and working in the country as their applications were processed.
Under the updated guidelines from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this pathway is now closed. Critics argue that the new rule will force thousands of legal immigrants, including spouses of U.S. citizens, to leave their homes, families, and jobs for weeks or even months to complete the process. Democratic Representative Chuy García condemned the measure as both “absurd and cruel”, highlighting the disruption it will cause to settled lives.
tulsi gabbard resigns from top us intelligence role
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and a vocal advocate for a more restrained U.S. foreign policy, has announced her resignation effective June 30. In a statement, she explained that she is stepping down to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Her departure marks the end of a turbulent tenure overseeing 18 U.S. intelligence agencies.
During her time in office, Gabbard found herself sidelined from major national security decisions, including critical military operations in Iran and Venezuela. Her resignation reflects both personal priorities and the challenges of navigating a high-pressure political environment under the current administration.
eu and mexico expand trade ties with landmark agreement
Leaders from the European Union and Mexico have strengthened their long-standing trade partnership in a landmark agreement announced on Friday. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa formalized revisions to the existing EU-Mexico trade accord, which has been in effect since 2000.
The updated agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe and enhances cooperation in areas such as migration, clean energy, digital trade, and security. In an era marked by rising protectionist measures, the two blocs have signaled their commitment to fostering open trade and economic collaboration.
hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship reaches twelve cases
A new case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The infected crew member had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands for medical treatment, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to twelve. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the death toll remains at three, with no new fatalities reported since the outbreak was first detected on May 2.