ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13377Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13377

Designating the African Union as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities

This executive order designates the African Union as a public international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act, granting it legal privileges, exemptions, and immunities. It also revokes the 1974 executive order that had previously designated the Organization of African Unity (the African Union's predecessor) with similar status.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 20263

Key directives

  • Designate African Union as public international organization under 22 U.S.C. 288 and 288f-2
  • Grant privileges, exemptions, and immunities under International Organizations Immunities Act
  • Revoke Executive Order 11767 (1974 designation of Organization of African Unity)

Timeline

Immediate

  • African Union gains designated status under IOIA
  • EO 11767 revoked

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Ongoing legal immunity framework for AU operations in U.S. territory

Risks & tensions

  • Non-abridgement clause (Sec. 2) is standard boilerplate preserving other legal avenues, with no substantive tension indicated
  • Revocation of 1974 EO reflects institutional continuity from OAU to AU without creating legal gap
  • No operational or funding directives included—purely legal-status designation
Executive Order 13377: Designating the African Union as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities · Executive Orders