Blocking Property of Persons in the Central African Republic Conflict

May 15, 2014

Summary

Freezes the money and property of people who are making the conflict in the Central African Republic worse and stops them from coming to the U.S.

What problem does this solve?

The Central African Republic is suffering from a breakdown of law, widespread violence, and the use of child soldiers, which threatens regional peace. This order puts financial pressure on those responsible by blocking their assets and banning them from entering the United States.

What does this order do?

Blocks property and assets

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to people who are contributing to the conflict in the Central African Republic.

Suspends entry into the United States

Bans any person sanctioned under this order from entering the U.S. as an immigrant or nonimmigrant.

Declares a national emergency

Identifies the situation in the Central African Republic as an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

Defines sanctionable activities

Lists actions that can lead to sanctions, including threatening peace, targeting civilians, using child soldiers, obstructing humanitarian aid, or illegally trading natural resources.

Prohibits donations

Forbids making or receiving donations of food, clothing, and medicine to or from any person whose property is blocked by this order.

Authorizes implementation

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the power to create rules and take actions needed to carry out the order.

Who does this affect?

Individuals and groups involved in the Central African Republic conflict
U.S. financial institutions
U.S. citizens and residents

What is the real world impact?

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Supports international peace efforts

Aligns U.S. policy with United Nations Security Council resolutions to use economic pressure to stop the violence and help stabilize the Central African Republic.

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Protects U.S. national security

Declares the conflict an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, aiming to prevent the instability from spreading to neighboring countries.

When does this start?

This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 13, 2014.