Monrovia, Liberia – Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a former warlord accused of atrocities during Liberia’s brutal civil war and a political kingmaker in its post-war democracy, has died at 72. His death, reported on Thursday, November 28, 2024, was confirmed by family sources.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received Johnson’s endorsement during the 2023 presidential election, expressed condolences to Johnson’s widow, Amira Boyidee Johnson, his family, and the people of Nimba County.
“Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s passing is a loss to his family, his constituents, and our nation,” President Boakai said in a statement, acknowledging Johnson’s controversial legacy while emphasizing his role in Liberia’s political landscape.
From Warlord to Senator
Johnson rose to prominence as the leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), a faction known for its brutality during the country’s 14-year civil war. His group became infamous for the gruesome capture, torture, and execution of President Samuel Doe in 1990, a killing Johnson filmed and shared.
Despite widespread allegations of war crimes, Johnson never faced prosecution. Instead, he reinvented himself as a politician, serving as Nimba County’s senator since 2005. Over the years, he wielded significant political influence, earning a reputation as a kingmaker by endorsing every Liberian president since the war, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, George Weah, and most recently, Joseph Boakai.
Johnson’s endorsement of Boakai in the 2023 election was seen as pivotal, securing votes from his stronghold in Nimba County and cementing his role as a decisive figure in Liberian politics.
A Legacy of Impunity
While Johnson was celebrated by many in his constituency, he remained a deeply polarizing figure. Human rights groups and victims of Liberia’s civil war repeatedly called for his prosecution, citing the atrocities committed under his command. Johnson staunchly opposed the establishment of a war crimes court, framing it as a political tool to target him.
His death comes as Liberia edges closer to creating the long-delayed tribunal, a move widely seen as critical for addressing the culture of impunity that has persisted since the war ended in 2003.
“Senator Johnson has left behind a huge accountability debt because he did not face justice for allegations of atrocities he committed during the war, ” Adama Kiatamba Dempster, Human Rights Advocate told OKFM. “While his death closes the door on holding him personally accountable, it underscores the urgent need for justice for the thousands of victims who still wait for answers.”
Boakai’s Tribute and Reflection
In his statement, President Boakai acknowledged the complexity of Johnson’s legacy. “While we may not have always agreed on the path our nation pursued, we recognize the impact of his work and his dedication to representing the people of Nimba County in the Liberian Senate,” Boakai said.
The president pledged the government’s support for Johnson’s family and promised a state funeral to honor his contributions as a senator. However, Johnson’s passing is expected to reignite debates about Liberia’s reconciliation process and how the nation addresses the legacies of its wartime leaders.
A Nation Reflects
As Liberia mourns Johnson, questions remain about the role he played in shaping the country’s post-war trajectory. His transformation from warlord to lawmaker symbolized the uneasy compromises made during Liberia’s recovery.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
