Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This notice continues for one year a national emergency first declared in 2006 regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo, maintaining sanctions blocking property of certain persons contributing to conflict in that country. The continuation is based on a determination that the situation continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. foreign policy.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 67963

Impact dates

Oct 27, 2021
Continued national emergency expires unless renewed again
Oct 27, 2020
Original national emergency expiration date (continued beyond this date)

Key directives

Continue national emergency declared in EO 13413 for 1 year beyond October 27, 2020
Maintain blocking measures on property of certain persons contributing to DRC conflict
Publish notice in Federal Register
Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

Continuation of national emergency and existing sanctions takes effect upon notice

Near term (90d)

Annual review and potential Congressional oversight of continued emergency

Long term

Potential renewal or termination in October 2021 depending on situation in DRC

Risks & tensions

Long-running emergency (14+ years) with no clear end condition raises questions about indefinite emergency powers
Sanctions may complicate humanitarian access in DRC despite not being targeted at humanitarian actors
Minimal Congressional scrutiny of annually renewed emergencies under NEA section 202(d)