Further to UN Security Council Resolution (“UNSCR“) 2283 (2016) of 28 April 2016, the Swiss Federal Council repealed the Ordinance of Measures against Côte d’Ivoire yesterday at 18h (CEST), thereby removing the partial embargo on war materials, as well as the financial and travel sanctions.

The UN decided to lift the remaining sanctions against Côte d’Ivoire due to reduced tensions and the fact that presidential elections were conducted peacefully on 25 October 2015.  Specifically, UNSCR 2283 (2016):

  • Terminates the embargo on war materials, which obliged UN Member States to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Côte d’Ivoire of arms and any related lethal material, whether or not originating in their territories;
  • Terminates the travel bans and asset freezes, which initially targeted individuals who were deemed to constitute a threat to the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire, to be responsible for serious violations of human rights and other humanitarian law in the nation, or to have incited public hatred and violence; and
  • Dissolves the UN Côte d’Ivoire Sanctions Committee and Group of Experts.