Sanctions and Embargoes in Central African Republic: EU Imposes Strict Measures to Maintain Peace and Stability

The European Union has imposed strict financial sanctions and embargoes on the Central African Republic (CAR) to maintain peace and stability in the war-torn country. The measures are aimed at preventing the supply of arms and related materiel, restricting travel, and freezing assets of individuals and entities deemed to be undermining peace and security.

Prohibitions and Exemptions

According to the UN sanctions committee, it is prohibited to directly or indirectly supply, sell, transfer, or export: * Arms and related materiel, including ammunition, military vehicles, and equipment * Paramilitary equipment and spare parts * These exemptions are only granted for use by international forces and peacekeeping missions operating in the CAR

Travel Restrictions

The EU has imposed travel restrictions on individuals designated by the sanctions committee who have been listed as having participated in actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in the region. This includes those who: * Violate the arms embargo * Support armed groups or criminal networks * Commit crimes against human rights or international humanitarian law * Recruit or use child soldiers * Obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance

Asset Freeze

All assets and economic resources owned by individuals and entities designated by the UN sanctions committee have been frozen, with exemptions only granted for humanitarian purposes. The competent Swedish authorities responsible for implementing these measures include: * Migration Agency * Inspectorate of Strategic Products * National Board of Trade * Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency) * Finansinspektionen (Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority)

Criteria for Listing

The sanctions committee has established a set of criteria for listing individuals and entities subject to these measures, including those who: * Participate in actions that undermine peace and security * Violate the arms embargo * Support armed groups or criminal networks * Commit crimes against human rights or international humanitarian law * Recruit or use child soldiers * Obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance

Purpose of Sanctions

The EU’s strict sanctions and embargoes are aimed at preventing further instability and violence in the CAR, and ensuring that those responsible for undermining peace and security are held accountable. The measures will also help to: * Prevent the flow of arms and funding to armed groups and criminal networks * Support efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need