Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency With Respect to Somalia

This executive order expands U.S. sanctions against Somalia by amending Executive Order 13536 to block assets of individuals and entities involved in threatening Somalia's stability, misappropriating public assets, obstructing humanitarian aid, trafficking arms, committing violence against civilians, using child soldiers, or trading charcoal. It also prohibits the importation of charcoal from Somalia into the United States, targeting a key revenue source for the terrorist group al-Shabaab.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 43483

Impact dates

Jul 20, 2012
Order effective at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time

Key directives

Block all property and interests in property of designated persons in U.S. jurisdiction
Prohibit importation of charcoal from Somalia
Authorize Treasury Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations to implement order
Direct all U.S. government agencies to take appropriate measures to carry out provisions

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Asset blocking authority expanded effective July 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
Charcoal import ban takes effect

Near term (90d)

Treasury Department to promulgate implementing rules and regulations

Long term

Ongoing sanctions enforcement and designation of blocked persons
Potential expansion of sanctions based on new determinations by Treasury/State

Risks & tensions

Charcoal ban may affect legitimate traders if enforcement is overbroad; licensing exceptions possible but undefined
Humanitarian access concerns flagged in text but sanctions could inadvertently complicate aid delivery
Coordination required between Treasury and State on designations, which may create bureaucratic delays
Vague standard for 'threaten the peace, security, or stability of Somalia' grants broad discretionary authority