ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13288Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13288

Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe

This executive order declares a national emergency and blocks all U.S.-based assets of 77 named Zimbabwean officials and their associates, citing their role in undermining democratic processes, rule of law, and regional stability. The sanctions prohibit American persons from any transactions involving these blocked assets and authorize Treasury to designate additional persons owned or controlled by those listed.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 11457

Impact dates

  1. Order effective - asset blocking and prohibitions take effect

Key directives

  • Block all property and interests in property of 77 named individuals in Annex
  • Block property of any person determined by Treasury (in consultation with State) to be owned/controlled by or acting on behalf of listed persons
  • Prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons involving blocked property
  • Prohibit evasion, avoidance, or conspiracy to violate sanctions
  • Authorize Treasury to promulgate rules and regulations
  • Direct all U.S. government agencies to take appropriate measures to carry out order

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Asset blocking effective 12:01 AM EST March 7, 2003
  • All listed persons' U.S. property frozen
  • Prohibition on transactions takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Treasury/State designation of additional persons under Section 1(b)
  • Implementation of regulations and guidance

Long term

  • Ongoing sanctions enforcement and compliance monitoring
  • Potential expansion of designated persons list
  • Diplomatic pressure on Zimbabwe government

Risks & tensions

  • Broad 'acting on behalf of' standard in Section 1(b) creates compliance uncertainty for entities with indirect Zimbabwean government ties
  • Annex note states individuals remain subject regardless of title/position changes, creating perpetual liability risk
  • No explicit sunset or review mechanism; emergency declaration potentially indefinite
  • Regional economic spillover to southern Africa mentioned as concern but not mitigated in text
  • Vague 'all appropriate measures' agency directive in Section 4 may create interagency coordination gaps
Executive Order 13288: Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe · Executive Orders