MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Gbarpolu County Senator, Hon. Amara Konneh, recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, remembering him not only as a political figure but as a transformative force in Liberia’s post-conflict landscape. In a poignant statement following his signing of the Book of Condolence at the Capitol in Monrovia, Senator Konneh reflected on his personal bond with Johnson, whom he affectionately called “Big Brother,” and the deep lessons they shared during their time together in the Senate.
Konneh’s connection with Johnson was not born of convenience but of genuine camaraderie and shared values. “He referred to me as ‘Distinguished,’ while I called him ‘Big Brother.’ Our relationship evolved further as we entered the Senate, and it led to a crucial meeting I facilitated between him and a senior American diplomat visiting Liberia last year,” Konneh recalled. Despite the challenges of the meeting, it was a turning point in Johnson’s decision to publicly support the establishment of Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), a historic move for the country.
Konneh, acknowledging the significance of the meeting, was careful not to claim it as the sole factor behind Johnson’s decision to sign the WECC Resolution. “While I don’t claim that this meeting was the only catalyst, it was part of broader discussions on issues such as good governance, budget credibility, and the frustrations we all shared over slow progress in Liberia,” he explained. For Konneh, the meeting marked a critical juncture in Johnson’s journey, one that would come to embody his commitment to both justice and reconciliation for Liberia.
Having dedicated himself to public service for over fifteen years, Konneh reflected on the challenges Liberia faced and the resilience of those working to address issues ranging from justice to health, security, and development. “In the Senate, I’ve seen firsthand the unwavering dedication of my colleagues. Despite differences in opinion, we work together—sometimes with those we may not fully trust,” he noted, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration that Johnson embodied during his tenure as a senator. The late “Doyen,” as Johnson was affectionately called, was a model of open-mindedness and cooperative leadership, willing to work alongside both allies and opponents in the pursuit of progress.
Konneh’s tribute also delved into his personal journey of reconciling with Liberia’s painful past. As a survivor of the country’s devastating civil war, Konneh wrestled with the moral complexities of working closely with someone like Johnson, whose role in the conflict was deeply entwined with the tragic loss of Konneh’s father, siblings, and many relatives. “How could I collaborate with someone so deeply involved in the pain of my past?” Konneh asked, his voice reflecting the depth of the inner conflict. The answer, he discovered, lay in forgiveness—a process that transformed his perspective and allowed him to embrace the difficult but essential journey of national reconciliation.
“My own path to healing was forged in forgiveness, guided by my Islamic faith,” Konneh explained. Drawing on his experience as a cabinet minister in Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s first Unity Party government and later as an advocate at the World Bank, he learned that genuine cooperation and forgiveness are indispensable tools for rebuilding war-torn societies. “Liberia is not alone in this journey. Other nations like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya have faced similar struggles, and we’ve seen that only through forgiveness can true progress be made.”
Konneh’s words underscored the importance of collaboration, even with those who may seem difficult to trust. “I made a conscious decision to work with those around me, including those with whom I had the greatest disagreements. It was through this unity, despite our differences, that we were able to begin transforming Liberia,” he said. For Konneh, this spirit of collaboration was also evident in his work with Johnson during their time in the Senate, particularly in their shared efforts to harness the County Development Fund and the Social Development Fund, which brought crucial infrastructure and services to Nimba County during Johnson’s leadership of the Nimba Caucus.
In reflecting on the late Senator’s remarkable life, Konneh highlighted three key attributes that defined Johnson: his deep faith, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his lifelong dedication to public service. “After embracing Christ, Senator Johnson became a man of exceptional faith. He was a devoted husband and father, always putting his family first,” Konneh shared. “His commitment to public service was unparalleled, and it is this legacy that we must continue to honor.”
As Liberia struggles with the challenges of reconciliation and development, Konneh’s call for continued unity resonates. “We must bridge the divides that have held our country back,” he urged. “We must forgive one another and work together for a brighter future. In doing so, we honor the legacy of men like Senator Johnson, whose life was a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and collaboration.”
In his closing words, Konneh bid farewell to his friend and mentor. “So long, ‘Doyen,’ my ‘Big Brother,’” he said with emotion. “I will miss your late-night calls, your guidance, and your unwavering commitment to our country.”
Konneh’s tribute not only honored the memory of Prince Yormie Johnson but also offered a poignant reminder of the importance of forgiveness, collaboration, and continued dedication to Liberia’s progress. It is a call to all Liberians to build on the foundation of reconciliation and work together toward a better future.
