MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Senator of Nimba County, Prince Johnson, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Liberian government’s push for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in the country. The senator, who was a former rebel leader, is one of 28 senators who recently signed a resolution to establish the court aimed at addressing the aftermath of Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict that resulted in the loss of over 25,000 lives and properties.
Senator Johnson, who has been vocal about his opposition to the establishment of the court, previously threatened not to commit himself to the court if the establishment goes ahead. He had also claimed to have armed men ready to counter anyone who tries to arrest him.
In a recent interview with a local talk show in Nimba County, Senator Johnson accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of imposing the establishment of the war crimes court, using the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and paying people to get rid of him. Johnson expressed deep disappointment in President Boakai, announcing his immediate withdrawal of support from Unity Party Senatorial Candidate Nyan Twayen over the government’s move to establish the court.
It is worth noting that during the 2023 general and presidential elections, Senator Johnson’s party, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), and President Boakai’s Unity Party (UP) collaborated in defeating President George Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). However, their political alliance collapsed following President Boakai’s commitment towards establishing the war and economic crimes court.
Senator Johnson, who is also a pastor, expressed his disappointment with the government’s agenda, stating that it was not part of the Rescue Mission. He further described President Boakai’s administration as ungrateful.
It should be recalled that Senator Johnson was a former warlord who was involved in various actions during the Liberian Civil War that occurred from 1989-2003. One of the most infamous incidents involving Senator Johnson was the capture and subsequent killing of President Samuel Doe in 1990. Senator Johnson’s forces captured Doe, who had been president since a coup in 1980, before executing him. This event was widely documented and is considered one of the significant moments of the Liberian Civil War.
