Senegal political shake-up: president sacks prime minister amid growing tensions

The political landscape in Senegal has been rocked by a major upheaval as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko through a presidential decree issued on Friday, May 22. This decisive action follows months of simmering internal conflicts, power struggles at the highest levels of government, and a highly symbolic parliamentary session where Sonko publicly aired his differences with the head of state.

During his address to lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth, openly asserted his independence from the presidency. He emphasized his role as a Prime Minister who makes decisions autonomously, declaring, “I take actions without seeking permission.” This bold stance marked a clear divergence from the executive’s direction and set the stage for the abrupt dismissal that followed.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United States has introduced sweeping changes to its green card application process. Under the new policy enforced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), prospective permanent residents must now return to their countries of origin to complete their green card applications. Previously, individuals on temporary visas could adjust their status while remaining in the U.S., allowing them to stay with their families and jobs during the review period. This modification has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents labeling the policy “absurd and cruel,” as it forces legal immigrants—including spouses of U.S. citizens—to leave their homes, families, and livelihoods for weeks or even months to finalize their residency.

In a significant shift within U.S. intelligence leadership, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence and a proponent of a more restrained foreign policy, announced her resignation effective June 30. Gabbard cited personal reasons, stating she is stepping down to support her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Her departure concludes a turbulent tenure marked by limited involvement in critical national security matters, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela, where she was largely sidelined by the White House.

The European Union and Mexico have bolstered their long-standing trade partnership, initially established in 2000, by signing an enhanced agreement. The revised deal eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican agricultural exports to Europe while expanding cooperation in security, migration, clean energy, and digital trade. This move sends a strong signal against rising protectionist trends, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to free trade and open markets.

Global health authorities are closely monitoring a concerning outbreak after a new case of hantavirus was confirmed aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The infected crew member, who had disembarked in Tenerife before being transferred to the Netherlands, brings the total number of cases to twelve. Despite this latest development, the death toll remains unchanged at three fatalities, with no new deaths reported since the outbreak was first identified on May 2, according to the World Health Organization.