Energy, environment and natural resources

Executive Order 13620: Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency With Respect to Somalia

President: Barack Obama

Expanded Somalia sanctions to cover charcoal trade and misappropriation of public assets while protecting humanitarian activity.

Status: In effect.

Is Executive Order 13620 still in effect? Yes. Active part of the Somalia sanctions program and codified in 31 CFR part 551.

What does Executive Order 13620 do?

EO 13620 strengthened the Somalia emergency created by EO 13536. It authorized sanctions against people engaged in Somali charcoal trade, people who misappropriated Somali public assets and certain actors whose conduct threatened peace or humanitarian operations. It also clarified that donations and humanitarian transactions could be authorized. OFAC still lists the order as an active authority for the Somalia sanctions regulations.

Administration position: The program does not impose a comprehensive embargo on Somalia; it blocks designated people and prohibited dealings while licenses protect authorized humanitarian work.
SignedJuly 20, 2012
AuthorityIEEPA and National Emergencies Act
Regulations31 CFR part 551

Before and after

Before the order

EO 13536 targeted conflict actors but did not expressly cover charcoal commerce and theft of Somali public assets.

After the order

Treasury gained additional designation grounds and clearer authority to preserve humanitarian channels.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
Treasury OFACDesignate persons issue licenses and enforceContinuing
US personsBlock and report designated propertyContinuing
Humanitarian organizationsUse exemptions and licenses where applicableContinuing

What happened next

EO 13620 expanded the Somalia emergency.