2014R0224 — EN — 24.12.2015 — 006.001

This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents

Amended by:









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COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 224/2014

of 10 March 2014

concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Central African Republic







THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 215 thereof, Having regard to Council Decision 2013/798/CFSP of 23 December 2013 concerning restrictive measures against the Central African Republic ( 1 ), Having regard to the joint proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and of the European Commission, Whereas: (1) In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2127 (2013) of 5 December 2013 and UNSCR 2134 (2014) of 28 January 2014, Decision 2013/798/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2014/125/CFSP ( 2 ), provides for an arms embargo against the Central African Republic and the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the Central African Republic. (2) Certain measures provided for in UNSCR 2127 (2013) and UNSCR 2134 (2014) fall within the scope of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and therefore, with a view, in particular, to ensuring their uniform application by economic operators in all Member States, regulatory action at the level of the Union is necessary in order to implement them. (3) This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular the rights to an effective remedy, to a fair trial and to the protection of personal data. This Regulation has to be applied in accordance with those rights and principles. (4) The power to amend the list in Annex I to this Regulation should be exercised by the Council, in view of the specific threat to international peace and security in the region posed by the situation in the Central African Republic and in order to ensure consistency with the process for amending and reviewing the Annex to Decision 2014/125/CFSP. (5) The procedure for amending the list in Annex I to this Regulation should include providing to designated natural or legal persons, entities or bodies the reasons for their listing as transmitted by the Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council established pursuant to paragraph 57 of UNSCR 2127 (2013), so as to give them an opportunity to present observations. Where observations are submitted or substantial new evidence is presented, the Council should review its decision in the light of those observations and inform the person, entity or body concerned accordingly. (6) For the implementation of this Regulation, and in order to create maximum legal certainty within the Union, the names and other relevant data concerning natural and legal persons, entities and bodies whose funds and economic resources must be frozen in accordance with this Regulation should be made public. Any processing of personal data of natural persons under this Regulation should comply with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 3 ) and Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 4 ). (7) In order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Regulation are effective, it should enter into force immediately, Whereas: HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:







Article 1

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply:

(a) ‘brokering services’ means: (i) the negotiation or arrangement of transactions for the purchase, sale or supply of goods and technology or of financial and technical services, from a third country to any other third country, or (ii) the selling or buying of goods and technology or of financial and technical services that are located in a third country for their transfer to another third country;

(b) ‘claim’ means any claim, whether asserted by legal proceedings or not, made before or after the date of entry into force of this Regulation, under or in connection with a contract or transaction, including in particular: (i) a claim for performance of any obligation arising under or in connection with a contract or transaction; (ii) a claim for extension or payment of a bond, financial guarantee or indemnity of whatever form; (iii) a claim for compensation in respect of a contract or transaction; (iv) a counterclaim; (v) a claim for the recognition or enforcement, including by the procedure of exequatur, of a judgment, an arbitration award or an equivalent decision, wherever made or given;

(c) ‘contract or transaction’ means any transaction of whatever form and whatever the applicable law, whether comprising one or more contracts or similar obligations made between the same or different parties; for this purpose, ‘contract’ includes a bond, guarantee or indemnity, particularly a financial guarantee or financial indemnity, and credit, whether legally independent or not, as well as any related provision arising under, or in connection with, the transaction;

(d) ‘competent authorities’ means the competent authorities of the Member States as identified on the websites listed in Annex II;

(e) ‘economic resources’ means assets of every kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable, which are not funds, but may be used to obtain funds, goods or services;

(f) ‘freezing of economic resources’ means preventing the use of economic resources to obtain funds, goods or services in any way, including, but not limited to, by selling, hiring or mortgaging them;

(g) ‘freezing of funds’ means preventing any move, transfer, alteration, use of, access to, or dealing with funds in any way that would result in any change in their volume, amount, location, ownership, possession, character, destination or other change that would enable the funds to be used, including portfolio management;

(h) ‘funds’ means financial assets and benefits of every kind, including, but not limited to: (i) cash, cheques, claims on money, drafts, money orders and other payment instruments; (ii) deposits with financial institutions or other entities, balances on accounts, debts and debt obligations; (iii) publicly- and privately-traded securities and debt instruments, including stocks and shares, certificates representing securities, bonds, notes, warrants, debentures and derivatives contracts; (iv) interest, dividends or other income on or value accruing from or generated by assets; (v) credit, right of set-off, guarantees, performance bonds or other financial commitments; (vi) letters of credit, bills of lading, bills of sale; and (vii) documents showing evidence of an interest in funds or financial resources;

(i) ‘Sanctions Committee’ means the Committee of the United Nations Security Council which was established pursuant to paragraph 57 of United Nations Security Council Resolution UNSCR 2127 (2013);

(j) ‘technical assistance’ means any technical support related to repairs, development, manufacture, assembly, testing, maintenance, or any other technical service, and may take forms such as instruction, advice, training, transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services, including verbal forms of assistance;

(k) ‘territory of the Union’ means the territories of the Member States to which the Treaty is applicable, under the conditions laid down in the Treaty, including their airspace.

Article 2

It shall be prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly:

(a) technical assistance or brokering services related to the goods and technology listed in the Common Military List of the European Union ( 5 ) (Common Military List) or related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of goods included in that list, to any person, entity or body in the Central African Republic or for use in the Central African Republic;

(b) financing or financial assistance related to the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology listed in the Common Military List, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance, as well as insurance and reinsurance, for any sale, supply, transfer or export of such items, or for any provision of related technical assistance or brokering services to any person, entity or body in the Central African Republic or for use in the Central African Republic;

(c) technical assistance, financing or financial assistance, brokering services or transport services related to the provision of armed mercenary personnel in the Central African Republic or for use in the Central African Republic.

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Article 3

By way of derogation from Article 2, the prohibitions laid down in that Article shall not apply to the provision of technical assistance, financing or financial assistance or brokering services:

(a) intended solely for the support of or use by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (Minusca), the African Union Regional Task Force (AU-RTF), and the Union missions and the French forces deployed in the Central African Republic;

(b) related to protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to the Central African Republic by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, for their personal use only.

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Article 4

By way of derogation from Article 2, and provided that the provision of such technical assistance or brokering services, financing or financial assistance has been approved in advance by the Sanctions Committee, the prohibitions laid down in that Article shall not apply to the provision of:

(a) technical assistance or brokering services related to non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use;

(b) technical assistance, financing or financial assistance to the sale, supply, transfer or export of goods and technology listed in the Common Military List or for any provision of related technical assistance or brokering services.

Article 5

1. All funds and economic resources belonging to, owned, held or controlled by any natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I shall be frozen.

2. No funds or economic resources shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of any natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I.

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3. Annex I shall include natural or legal persons, entities and bodies identified by the Sanctions Committee as engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the Central African Republic, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition towards free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence:

(a) acting in violation of the arms embargo established in paragraph 54 of UNSCR 2127 (2013), or having directly or indirectly supplied, sold, or transferred to armed groups or criminal networks in the Central African Republic, or having been the recipient of arms or any related materiel, or any technical advice, training, or assistance, including financing and financial assistance, related to violent activities of armed groups or criminal networks in the Central African Republic;

(b) being involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the Central African Republic, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;

(c) recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the Central African Republic, in violation of applicable international law;

(d) providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold and wildlife, as well as wildlife products, in or from the Central African Republic;

(e) obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in the Central African Republic;

(f) involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against United Nations missions or international security presences, including Minusca, the Union missions and the French operations which support them;

(g) being leaders of an entity designated by the Sanctions Committee, or having provided support to, or having acted for or on behalf of or at the direction of, a person, entity or body designated by the Sanctions Committee, or an entity owned or controlled by a designated person, entity or body.

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Article 6

By way of derogation from Article 5, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources, or the making available of certain funds or economic resources, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) the competent authority concerned has determined that the funds or economic resources are: (i) necessary to satisfy the basic needs of a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I, and dependent family members of such natural persons, including payments for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges; (ii) intended exclusively for payment of reasonable professional fees or the reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services; or (iii) intended exclusively for payment of fees or service charges for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds or economic resources; and

(b) the Member State concerned has notified the Sanctions Committee of the determination referred to in point (a) and of its intention to grant an authorisation, and the Sanctions Committee has not objected to that course of action within five working days of notification.

Article 7

By way of derogation from Article 5, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources, or the making available of certain funds or economic resources, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, provided that the competent authority concerned has determined that the funds or economic resources are necessary for extraordinary expenses, and provided that the Member State concerned has notified the Sanctions Committee of that determination and the Sanctions Committee has approved it.

Article 8

By way of derogation from Article 5, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources where the following conditions are met:

(a) the funds or economic resources in question are the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitral lien established prior to the date on which the person, entity or body referred to in Article 5 was listed in Annex I, or of a judicial, administrative or arbitral judgment handed down prior to that date;

(b) the funds or economic resources in question will be used exclusively to satisfy claims secured by such a lien or recognised as valid in such a judgment, within the limits set by applicable laws and regulations governing the rights of persons having such claims;

(c) the lien or judgment is not for the benefit of a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I;

(d) recognition of the lien or judgment is not contrary to public policy in the Member State concerned; and

(e) the Sanctions Committee has been notified by the Member State of the lien or judgment.

Article 9

By way of derogation from Article 5, and provided that a payment by a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I is due under a contract or agreement that was concluded by, or under an obligation that arose for, the natural or legal person, entity or body concerned, before the date on which that natural or legal person, entity or body had been designated by the UN Security Council or the Sanctions Committee, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources, provided that the competent authority concerned has determined that:

(a) the funds or economic resources shall be used for a payment by a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I;

(b) the payment is not in breach of Article 5(2); and

(c) the Sanctions Committee has been notified by the relevant Member State of the intention to grant an authorisation 10 working days in advance.

Article 10

1. Article 5(2) shall not prevent the crediting of the frozen accounts by financial or credit institutions that receive funds transferred by third parties into the account of a natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex I, provided that any additions to such accounts will also be frozen. The financial or credit institution shall inform the relevant competent authority about any such transaction without delay.

2. Article 5(2) shall not apply to the addition to frozen accounts of:

(a) interest or other earnings on those accounts;

(b) payments due under contracts, agreements or obligations that were concluded or that arose before the date on which the natural or legal person, entity or body referred to in Article 5 was included in Annex I; or

(c) payments due under judicial, administrative or arbitral lien or judgment, as referred to in Article 8; and

provided that any such interest, other earnings and payments are frozen in accordance with Article 5(1).

Article 11

1. Without prejudice to the applicable rules concerning reporting, confidentiality and professional secrecy, natural and legal persons, entities and bodies shall:

(a) supply immediately any information which would facilitate compliance with this Regulation, such as information on accounts and amounts frozen in accordance with Article 5, to the competent authority of the Member State where they are resident or located, and shall transmit any such information, either directly or through the Member State, to the Commission; and

(b) co-operate with the competent authority in any verification of such information.

2. Any additional information received directly by the Commission shall be made available to the Member States.

3. Any information provided or received in accordance with this Article shall be used only for the purposes for which it was provided or received.

Article 12

It shall be prohibited to participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities the object or effect of which is to circumvent the measures referred to in Articles 2 and 5.

Article 13

1. The freezing of funds and economic resources or the refusal to make funds or economic resources available, carried out in good faith on the basis that such action is in accordance with this Regulation, shall not give rise to liability of any kind on the part of the natural or legal person or entity or body implementing it, or its directors or employees, unless it is proved that the funds and economic resources were frozen or withheld as a result of negligence.

2. Actions by natural or legal persons, entities or bodies shall not give rise to any liability of any kind on their part if they did not know, and had no reasonable cause to suspect, that their actions would infringe the prohibitions laid down in this Regulation.

Article 14

1. No claims in connection with any contract or transaction the performance of which has been affected, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the measures imposed under this Regulation, including claims for indemnity or any other claim of this type, such as a claim for compensation or a claim under a guarantee, in particular a claim for extension or payment of a bond, guarantee or indemnity, particularly a financial guarantee or financial indemnity, of whatever form, shall be satisfied, if they are made by:

(a) designated natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed in Annex I;

(b) any natural or legal person, entity or body acting through or on behalf of one of the persons, entities or bodies referred to in point (a).

2. In any proceedings for the enforcement of a claim, the onus of proving that satisfying the claim is not prohibited by paragraph 1 shall be on the natural or legal person, entity or body seeking the enforcement of that claim.

3. This Article is without prejudice to the right of the natural or legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in paragraph 1 to judicial review of the legality of the non-performance of contractual obligations in accordance with this Regulation.

Article 15

1. The Commission and the Member States shall inform each other of the measures taken under this Regulation and share any other relevant information at their disposal in connection with this Regulation, in particular information in respect of:

(a) funds frozen under Article 5 and authorisations granted under Articles 6, 7 and 8;

(b) violation and enforcement problems and judgments handed down by national courts.

2. The Member States shall immediately inform each other and the Commission of any other relevant information at their disposal which might affect the effective implementation of this Regulation.

Article 16

The Commission shall be empowered to amend Annex II on the basis of information supplied by Member States.

Article 17

1. Where the United Nations Security Council or the Sanctions Committee lists a natural or legal person, entity or body and has provided a statement of reasons for the designation, the Council shall include that natural or legal person, entity or body in Annex I. The Council shall communicate its decision and the statement of reasons to the natural or legal person, entity or body concerned, either directly, if the address is known, or through the publication of a notice, providing that natural or legal person, entity or body an opportunity to present observations.

2. Where observations are submitted, or where substantial new evidence is presented, the Council shall review its decision and inform the person, entity or body accordingly.

3. Where the United Nations decides to de-list a person, entity or body, or to amend the identifying data of a listed person, entity or body, the Council shall amend Annex I accordingly.

Article 18

Annex I shall include, where available, information provided by the Security Council or by the Sanctions Committee necessary to identify the natural or legal persons, entities or bodies concerned. With regard to natural persons, such information may include names including aliases, date and place of birth, nationality, passport and ID card numbers, gender, address, if known, and function or profession. With regard to legal persons, entities or bodies, such information may include names, place and date of registration, registration number and place of business. Annex I shall also include the date of designation by the Security Council or by the Sanctions Committee.

Article 19

1. The Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

2. The Member States shall notify the rules referred to in paragraph 1 to the Commission without delay after the entry into force of this Regulation, and shall notify it of any subsequent amendment to them.

Article 20

1. The Member States shall designate the competent authorities referred to in this Regulation and identify them on the websites listed in Annex II. The Member States shall notify the Commission of any changes in the addresses of their websites listed in Annex II.

2. The Member States shall notify the Commission of their competent authorities, including the contact details of those competent authorities, without delay after the entry into force of this Regulation, and shall notify it of any subsequent amendment.

3. Where this Regulation sets out a requirement to notify, inform or otherwise communicate with the Commission, the address and other contact details to be used for such communication shall be those indicated in Annex II.

Article 21

This Regulation shall apply:

(a) within the territory of the Union, including its airspace;

(b) on board any aircraft or any vessel under the jurisdiction of a Member State;

(c) to any person inside or outside the territory of the Union who is a national of a Member State;

(d) to any legal person, entity or body, inside or outside the territory of the Union, which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a Member State;

(e) to any legal person, entity or body in respect of any business done in whole or in part within the Union.

Article 22

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

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ANNEX I

LIST OF PERSONS AND ENTITIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 5

A. Persons

1. François Yangouvonda BOZIZÉ (alias: a) Bozize Yangouvonda )

Date of Birth: 14 October 1946.

Place of Birth: Mouila, Gabon.

Nationality: Central African Republic.

Address: Uganda.

Other information: Mother's name is Martine Kofio.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Bozize was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR.’

Additional information

In liaison with his supporters, Bozize encouraged the attack of 5 December 2013 on Bangui. Since then, he has continued trying to run destabilization operations in order to maintain tensions in the capital of CAR. Bozize reportedly created the anti-Balaka militia group before he fled the CAR on March 24, 2013. In a communique, Bozize called on his militia to pursue the atrocities against the current regime and the Islamists. Bozize reportedly provided financial and material support to militiamen who are working to destabilize the ongoing transition and to bring Bozize back to power. The bulk of the anti-Balaka are from the Central African Armed Forces who dispersed into the countryside after the coup d'état and were subsequently reorganized by Bozize. Bozize and his supporters control more than half the anti-Balaka units.

Forces loyal to Bozize were armed with assault rifles, mortars and rocket-launchers and they have become increasingly involved in reprisal attacks against CAR's Muslim population. The situation in CAR deteriorated rapidly after the December 5, 2013 attack in Bangui by anti-Balaka forces that left over 700 people dead.

2. Nourredine ADAM (alias: a) Nureldine Adam; b) Nourreldine Adam; c) Nourreddine Adam; d) Mahamat Nouradine Adam)

Designation: a) General; b) Minister for Security; c) Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’.

Date of birth: a) 1970 b) 1969 c) 1971 d) 1 January 1970.

Place of birth: Ndele, Central African Republic.

Nationality: Central African Republic. Passport no.: D00001184

Address: Birao, Central African Republic.

Date of UN designation: 9 May 2014

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Nourredine was listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 36 of resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of CAR.’

Additional information

Noureddine is one of the original leaders of the Seleka. He has been identified as both a General and the President of one of the armed rebel groups of the Seleka, the Central PJCC, a group formally known as the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace and whose acronym is also acknowledged as CPJP. As former head of the ‘Fundamental’ splinter group of the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP/F), he was the military coordinator of the ex-Séléka during offensives in the former rebellion in the Central African Republic between early December 2012 and March 2013. Without Noureddine's assistance and close relationship with Chadian Special Forces, the Seleka would likely have been unable to wrest power from former CAR President Francois Bozize.

Since the appointment as interim president of Catherine Samba-Panza on 20 January 2014, he was one of the main architects of the ex-Séléka's tactical withdrawal in Sibut with the aim of implementing his plan to create a Muslim stronghold in the north of the country. He had clearly urged his forces to resist the injunctions of the transitional government and of the military leaders of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). Noureddine actively directs ex-Seleka, the former Seleka forces that were reportedly dissolved by Djotodia in September 2013, and directs operations against Christian neighborhoods and continues to provide significant support and direction to the ex-Seleka operating in CAR.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(b) of resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable.’

Additional information

After the Séléka took control of Bangui on 24 March 2013, Nourredine Adam was appointed Minister for Security, then Director General of the ‘Extraordinary Committee for the Defence of Democratic Achievements’ (Comité extraordinaire de défense des acquis démocratiques- CEDAD, a now-defunct CAR intelligence service). Nourredine Adam used the CEDAD as his personal political police, carrying out many arbitrary arrests, acts of torture and summary executions. In addition, Noureddine was one of the key figures behind the bloody operation in Boy Rabe. In August 2013, Seleka forces stormed Boy Rabe, a CAR neighborhood regarded as a bastion of Francois Bozize supporters and his ethnic group. Under the pretext of looking for arms caches, Seleka troops reportedly killed scores of civilians and went on a rampage of looting. When these raids spread to other quarters, thousands of residents invaded the international airport, which was perceived as a safe place because of the presence of French troops, and occupied its runway.

Nourredine was also listed on 9 May 2014 pursuant to paragraph 37(d) of resolution 2134 (2014) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through illegal exploitation of natural resources’.

Additional information

In early 2013, Nourredine Adam played an important role in the ex-Séléka's financing networks. He travelled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to collect funds for the former rebellion. He also operated as a facilitator for a Chadian diamond-trafficking ring operating between the Central African Republic and Chad.

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4. Alfred YEKATOM (alias: a) Alfred Yekatom Saragba b) Alfred Ekatom c) Alfred Saragba d) Colonel Rombhot e) Colonel Rambo f) Colonel Rambot g) Colonel Rombot h) Colonel Romboh)

Designation: Chief Corporal of the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA)

Date of birth: 23 June 1976

Place of birth: Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic

Address: a) Mbaiki, Lobaye Province, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72 15 47 07/+236 75 09 43 41) b) Bimbo, Ombella-Mpoko province, Central African Republic (previous location)

Other information: Has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militia men. Father's name (adoptive father) is Ekatom Saragba (also spelled Yekatom Saragba). Brother of Yves Saragba, an anti-Balaka commander in Batalimo, Lobaye province, and a former FACA soldier. Physical description: eye colour: black; hair colour: bold; complexion: black; height: 170cm; weight 100kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Alfred Yekatom was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 11 of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence.’

Additional information:

Alfred Yekatom, also known as Colonel Rombhot, is a militia leader of a faction of the anti-Balakas movement, known as the ‘anti-Balaka from the South’. He has held the rank of Chief Corporal in the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA — Central African Republic armed forces).

Yekatom has engaged in and provided support for acts that undermine the peace, stability and security of the Central African Republic, including acts that threaten transitional agreements, and that threaten the political transition process. Yekatom has controlled and commanded a large group of armed militiamen with presence in the neighbourhood of PK9 in Bangui, and in the towns of Bimbo (Ombella-Mpoko province), Cekia, Pissa, and Mbaïki (capital of the Lobaye province), and had established his head-quarters in a forestry concession in Batalimo.

Yekatom has been in direct control of a dozen checkpoints manned by an average of ten armed militia men wearing army uniforms and carrying weapons, including military assault rifles, from the main bridge between Bimbo and Bangui to Mbaïki (Lobaye province), and from Pissa to Batalimo (next to the border with the Republic of Congo), collecting unauthorized taxes from private vehicles and motorcycles, passenger vans and trucks exporting forestry resources to Cameroon and Chad, but also from boats navigating on the Oubangui river. Yekatom has been observed personally collecting part of these unauthorized taxes. Yekatom and his militia have also reportedly killed civilians.

5. Habib SOUSSOU (alias: Soussou Abib)

Designation: a) Coordinator of anti-Balaka for Lobaye province b) Corporal of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA)

Date of birth: 13 Mar. 1980

Рlace of birth: Boda, Central African Republic

Nationality: Central African Republic Address: Boda, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 72198628)

Other information: Appointed as zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014 and on 28 June 2014, for the entire Lobaye Province. Under his command, targeted killings, clashes and attacks against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have continued to take place. Physical description: eye colour: brown; hair colour: black; height: 160cm; weight: 60kg. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Habib Soussou was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (b) and (e) of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence;’‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement’ and; ‘obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the CAR, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in the CAR.’

Additional information:

Habib Soussou was appointed as anti-Balaka zone commander (COMZONE) of Boda on 11 April 2014, and he has claimed that he was therefore responsible for the security situation in the sous- préfecture. On 28 June 2014, general coordinator of the anti-Balaka Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona appointed Habib Soussou as provincial coordinator for the town of Boda since 11 April 2014 and since 28 June 2014 for the entire province of Lobaye. Targeted killings, clashes and attacks by anti-Balaka in Boda against humanitarian organizations and aid workers have occurred on a weekly basis in areas for which Soussou is the anti-Balaka commander or coordinator. Soussous and the anti-Balaka forces in these areas have also targeted and threatened to target civilians.

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6. Oumar YOUNOUS ABDOULAY (alias: a) Oumar Younous b) Omar Younous c) Oumar Sodiam d) Oumar Younous M'Betibangui)

Designation: Former Séléka General

Date of birth: 2 April 1970

Nationality: Sudan, CAR diplomatic passport No D00000898, issued on 11 April 2013, (valid until 10 April 2018)

Address: a) Bria, Central African Republic (Tel. +236 75507560) b) Birao, Central African Republic c) Tullus, southern Darfur, Sudan (previous location)

Other information: Is a diamond smuggler and a three-star general of the Séléka and close confident of former CAR interim president Michel Djotodia. Physical description: hair colour: black; height: 180cm; belongs to the Fulani ethnic group. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Date of UN designation: 20 Aug. 2015 (amended on 20 Oct. 2015)

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Oumar Younous was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (d) of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence;’ and ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, wildlife as well as wildlife products, in the CAR’

Additional information:

Oumar Younous, as a General of the former Séléka and a diamond smuggler, has provided support to an armed group through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds, in the Central African Republic.

In October 2008, Oumar Younous, a former driver for the diamond buying house SODIAM, joined the rebel group Mouvement des Libérateurs Centrafricains pour la Justice (MLCJ). In December 2013, Oumar Younous was identified as being a three-star general of the Séléka and close confident of interim president Michel Djotodia.

Younous is involved in the diamond trade from Bria and Sam Ouandja to Sudan. Sources have reported that Oumar Younous has been engaged in collecting diamond parcels hidden in Bria, and taking them to Sudan for sale.

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7. Haroun GAYE (alias: a) Haroun Geye; b) Aroun Gaye; c) Aroun Geye

Designation: Rapporteur of the political coordination of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC)

Date of birth: a) 30 Jan. 1968 b) 30 Jan. 1969

Passport No: Central African Republic number O00065772 (letter O followed by 3 zeros), expires 30 Dec. 2019)

Address: Bangui, Central African Republic

Listed on: 17 December 2015

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Haroun Gaye was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (b) and (f) of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR’; ‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;’ and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including MINUSCA, the European Union Missions and French operations which support them.’

Additional information:

HAROUN GAYE has been, since early 2014, one of the leaders of an armed group operating in the PK5 neighbourhood in Bangui. Civil Society representatives of the PK5 neighbourhood state that Gaye and his armed group are fuelling the conflict in Bangui, opposing the reconciliation and preventing movements of population to and from the third district of Bangui. On 11 May, 2015, Gaye and 300 demonstrators blocked access to the National Transitional Council to disrupt the final day of the Bangui Forum. GAYE is reported to have collaborated with anti-Balaka officials to coordinate the disruption.

On 26 June 2015, Gaye and a small entourage disrupted the opening of a voter registration drive in Bangui's PK5 neighbourhood, causing the registration drive to close.

MINUSCA attempted to arrest Gaye on 2 August 2015, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 32(f) (i) of the Security Council resolution 2217 (2015). Gaye, who was reportedly informed of the arrest attempt in advance, was ready with supporters armed with heavy weaponry. Gaye's forces opened fire on the MINUSCA Joint Task Force. In a seven-hour firefight, Gaye's men employed firearms, rocket-propelled and hand grenades against MINUSCA troops and killed one peacekeeper and injured eight. Gaye was involved in encouraging violent protests and clashes in late September 2015 in what appears to have been a coup attempt to overthrow the Transitional Government. The coup attempt was likely led by former president Bozize's supporters in an alliance of convenience with Gaye and other FPRC leaders. It appears that Gaye aimed to create a cycle of retaliatory attacks that would threaten the upcoming elections. Gaye was in charge of coordination with marginalized elements of the anti-Balaka.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighbourhood between Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset, a member of a marginalized anti-Balaka group and Gaye, with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday, 3 October. Gaye's group prevented people inside the PK5 neighbourhood from leaving it, in order to reinforce the communal identity of the Muslim population to exacerbate inter-ethnic tensions and avoid reconciliation. On 26 October 2015, Gaye and his group interrupted a meeting between the Archbishop of Bangui and the Imam of the Central Mosque of Bangui, and threatened the delegation which had to retreat from the Central Mosque and flee the PK5 neighbourhood.

8. Eugène BARRET NGAÏKOSSET (alias: a) Eugene Ngaikosset b) Eugene Ngaikoisset c) Eugene Ngakosset, d) Eugene Barret Ngaikosse e) Eugene Ngaikouesset; low quality alias.: f) ‘The Butcher of Paoua’; g) Ngakosset

Designation: a) Former Captain, CAR Presidential Guard b) Former Captain, CAR Naval Forces

National identification No: Central African Republic armed forces (FACA) Military identification number 911-10-77

Address: a) Bangui, Central African Republic

Listed on: 17 December 2015.

Other Information: Captain Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset is a former member of former President François Bozizé's (CFi.001) presidential guard and associated with the anti-Balaka movement. He escaped from jail on 17 May 2015 following his extradition from Brazzaville and created his own anti-Balaka faction including former FACA fighters.

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

Eugène BARRET NGAÏKOSSET was listed on 17 December 2015 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 12 (b) and (f) of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR;’‘involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;’ and ‘involved in planning, directing, sponsoring, or conducting attacks against UN missions or international security presences, including MINUSCA, the European Union Missions and French operations which support them.’

Additional information:

Ngaïkosset is one of the main perpetrators of the violence which erupted in Bangui in late September 2015. Ngaïkosset and other anti-Balaka worked together with marginalized members of ex-Séléka in an effort to destabilize the CAR Transitional Government. On the night of 27-28 September 2015, Ngaïkosset and others made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the ‘Izamo’ gendarmerie camp in order to steal weapons and ammunition. On 28 September, the group surrounded the offices of CAR national radio.

On 1 October 2015, a meeting took place in the PK5 neighborhood between Ngaïkosset and Haroun Gaye, a leader of the Front Populaire pour la Renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC), with the aim of planning a joint attack on Bangui on Saturday, 3 October.

On 8 October, 2015, the CAR Justice Minister announced plans to investigate Ngaïkosset and other individuals for their roles in the September 2015 violence in Bangui. Ngaikosset and the others were named as being involved in ‘egregious behaviour constituting a breach of the internal security of the state, conspiracy, incitement to civil war, civil disobedience, hatred and complicity.’'CAR legal authorities were instructed to open an investigation to search for and arrest the perpetrators and accomplices.

On 11 October 2015, Ngaïkosset is believed to have asked anti-Balaka militia under his command to carry out kidnappings, with a particular focus on French nationals, but also CAR political figures and UN officials, with the aim of forcing the departure of the transitional President, Catherine Samba-Panza.

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В. Entities

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1. BUREAU D'ACHAT DE DIAMANT EN CENTRAFRIQUE/KARDIAM

(Alias: a) BADICA/KRDIAM b) KARDIAM)

Address: a) BP 333, Bangui, Central African Republic (Tel. +32 3 2310521, Fax. +32 3 2331839, email: kardiam.bvba@skvnet·be: website: www.groupeabdoulkarim.com) b) Antwerp, Belgium

Other Information: Headed by Abdoul-Karim Dan-Azoumi, since 12 December 1986 and by Aboubaliasr Mahamat, since 1 January 2005. Branches include MINAiR, and SOFIA TP (Douala, Cameroon).

Information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee:

The Bureau d'achat de Diamant en Centrafrique/KARDIAM was listed on 20 August 2015 pursuant to paragraph 12 (d) of resolution 2196 (2015) as ‘providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources, including diamonds, gold, as well as wildlife and wildlife products, in the CAR’

Additional information:

BADICA/KARDIAM has provided support for armed groups in the Central African Republic, namely former Séléka and anti-Balaka, through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, including diamonds and gold.

The Bureau d'Achat de Diamant en Centrafrique (BADICA) continued in 2014 to purchase diamonds from Bria and Sam-Ouandja (Haute Kotto province) in the east of the Central African Republic, where former Séléka forces impose taxes on aircraft transporting diamonds and receive security payments from diamond collectors. Several of BADICA's supplying collectors in Bria and Sam-Ouandja are closely associated with former Séléka commanders.

In May 2014, Belgian authorities seized two diamond parcels sent to BADICA's representation in Antwerp, which is officially registered in Belgium as KARDIAM. Diamond experts assessed that the diamonds seized have a high probability to be of Central African origin, and that they display characteristics typical of Sam-Ouandja and Bria, as well as Nola (Sangha Mbaéré province), in the south west of the country.

Traders who were purchasing diamonds illegally trafficked from Central African Republic to foreign markets, including from the western part of the country, have operated in Cameroon on behalf of BADICA.

In May 2014, BADICA also exported gold produced in Yaloké (Ombella-Mpoko), where artisanal gold mines fell under control of Séléka until the beginning of February 2014, when anti-Balakagroups took over.

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ANNEX II

Websites for information on the competent authorities and address for notifications to the European Commission

BELGIUM

http://www.diplomatie.be/eusanctions

BULGARIA

http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/135/index.html

CZECH REPUBLIC

http://www.mfcr.cz/mezinarodnisankce

DENMARK

http://um.dk/da/politik-og-diplomati/retsorden/sanktioner/

GERMANY

http://www.bmwi.de/DE/Themen/Aussenwirtschaft/aussenwirtschaftsrecht,did=404888.html

ESTONIA

http://www.vm.ee/est/kat_622/

IRELAND

http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=28519

GREECE

http://www.mfa.gr/en/foreign-policy/global-issues/international-sanctions.html

SPAIN

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/PoliticaExteriorCooperacion/GlobalizacionOportunidadesRiesgos/Documents/ORGANISMOS%20COMPETENTES%20SANCIONES%20INTERNACIONALES.pdf

FRANCE

http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/autorites-sanctions/

CROATIA

http://www.mvep.hr/sankcije

ITALY

http://www.esteri.it/MAE/IT/Politica_Europea/Deroghe.htm

CYPRUS

http://www.mfa.gov.cy/sanctions

LATVIA

http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/security/4539

LITHUANIA

http://www.urm.lt/sanctions

LUXEMBOURG

http://www.mae.lu/sanctions

HUNGARY

http://www.kulugyminiszterium.hu/kum/hu/bal/Kulpolitikank/nemzetkozi_szankciok/

MALTA

http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/bodies/boards/sanctions_monitoring.asp

NETHERLANDS

www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/internationale-vrede-en-veiligheid/sancties

AUSTRIA

http://www.bmeia.gv.at/view.php3?f_id=12750&LNG=en&version=

POLAND

http://www.msz.gov.pl

PORTUGAL

http://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/os-ministerios/ministerio-dos-negocios-estrangeiros/quero-saber-mais/sobre-o-ministerio/medidas-restritivas/medidas-restritivas.aspx

ROMANIA

http://www.mae.ro/node/1548

SLOVENIA

http://www.mzz.gov.si/si/zunanja_politika_in_mednarodno_pravo/zunanja_politika/mednarodna_varnost/omejevalni_ukrepi/

SLOVAKIA

http://www.mzv.sk/sk/europske_zalezitosti/europske_politiky-sankcie_eu

FINLAND

http://formin.finland.fi/kvyhteistyo/pakotteet

SWEDEN

http://www.ud.se/sanktioner

UNITED KINGDOM

https://www.gov.uk/sanctions-embargoes-and-restrictions

Address for notifications to the European Commission:

European Commission

Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)

EEAS 02/309

B-1049 Brussels

Belgium

E-mail: relex-sanctions@ec.europa.eu