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9/17/2021

United States Issues New Executive Order with Respect to the Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia | U.S…

United States Issues New Executive Order with Respect to the
Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia
September 17, 2021

U.S. Commits to Free Flow of Humanitarian Assistance in Northern Ethiopia Conflict
WASHINGTON — In response to the growing conflict and humanitarian and human rights
crisis in northern Ethiopia, which has threatened the peace, security, and stability of Ethiopia
and the greater Horn of Africa region, President Biden signed an Executive Order (E.O.),
“Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons with Respect to the Humanitarian and Human
Rights Crisis in Ethiopia.” The E.O. declares a national emergency with respect to the crisis
and provides the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, with
authorities to impose a range of targeted sanctions on persons determined, among other
things, to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that expand or extend the
ongoing crisis or obstruct a ceasefire or peace process in northern Ethiopia or commit
serious human rights abuse.
“Together, with allies, partners, and international organizations, the United States calls on
all parties to enter into negotiations to end the conflict. This conflict has created a
widespread humanitarian crisis and threatens the stability of Ethiopia,” said Deputy Secretary
of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “The Treasury Department is prepared to employ the range
of targeted actions to hold accountable anyone contributing to the deepening of this crisis.
The negotiated end of the conflict will set the stage for the United States and international
partners to reengage in our e orts to support Ethiopia’s reforms to boost economic growth
and job creation.”
The E.O. authorizes targeting of actors contributing to the crisis in northern Ethiopia and is
not directed at the people of Ethiopia, Eritrea, or the greater Horn of Africa region. Treasury
remains committed to ensuring that U.S. sanctions do not limit the ability of civilians located
in Ethiopia and the region to receive humanitarian support from the international
community. As part of this commitment, concurrent with the issuance of the new E.O.,
Treasury issued three general licenses (GLs), which authorize o icial activities of certain
international organizations and other international entities, certain transactions in support
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0361

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9/17/2021

United States Issues New Executive Order with Respect to the Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia | U.S…

of nongovernmental organizations’ (NGOs) activities, and certain transactions related to the
exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, and medical
items. For more information, please see Ethiopia GLs 1

,2

, and 3

.

“Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of
Ethiopia. Treasury will continue to work with financial institutions, international
organizations, and the NGO community to ease the flow of necessary resources to the
people in need across Ethiopia and throughout the greater Horn of Africa region,” said
Deputy Secretary Adeyemo.
Furthermore, today Treasury’s O ice of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued six Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs). These FAQs provide additional clarity and guidance regarding the
non-application of OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule

to the property and interests in property of

persons blocked pursuant to this E.O., as well as additional information on the activities
authorized by Ethiopia GLs 1, 2, and 3. For more information, please see FAQs 922, 923, 924,
925, 926, and 927.
View information from the White House on the new E.O.

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https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0361

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