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OFAC removes Burundi sanctions regulations
On February 10, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a final rule to remove the Burundi Sanctions Regulations. According to OFAC, the action is being taken “because the national emergency on which part 554 was based was terminated by the President on November 18, 2021.” The final rule took effect on February 11.
Biden terminates Burundi sanctions
On November 18, President Biden signed Executive Order (E.O.) “Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Situation in Burundi” to terminate a 2015 emergency declared in E.O. 13712 and revoke the authorization of sanctions with respect to Burundi. (See also OFAC’s announcement here.) According to Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, the steps are a result of changed circumstances and positive political developments and reforms taken by President Ndayishimiye, who continues “to press the Government of Burundi to improve the human rights situation in the country and hold accountable those responsible for violations and abuses.” Adeyemo added that the revocation demonstrates that the U.S. “may ease or remove sanctions when circumstances warrant such an adjustment, including in cases where relevant parties change their behavior.” As a result, all persons previously blocked pursuant solely to the Burundi Sanctions Regulations are now removed from OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, and all property and interests in property blocked solely pursuant to these regulations are unblocked. Additionally, OFAC will remove the Burundi Sanctions Regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations in the future. However, “[p]ending or future OFAC enforcement investigations or actions related to apparent violations of the Burundi Sanctions Regulations that occurred while E.O. 13712 was in effect may still be carried out,” Treasury stated.