MONROVIA – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has extended heartfelt condolences to the wife, children, family, the Liberian Senate, the MDR, and the people of Nimba County for the sudden passing of Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson on Thursday, November 28, 2024. However, the newly established pro-war and economic crimes advocacy group said, given the enormity of the role that Senator Johnson played in the Liberian civil war which brought untold suffering to the nation, and given the complex nature of his legacy, it is hoped that the government of Liberia prioritizes the establishment of a war and economic crimes court to address the issue of impunity that continues to evade the nation.
Making its position known in a statement issued last Thursday, STAND started by acknowledging that the death of Senator Johnson leaves behind a legacy that divides opinion.
“To many in Nimba County, he was a revered hero, while others view him as a controversial or polarizing figure. This contrast underscores the complexities of his role in Liberia’s history.
“As staunch advocates for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, STAND recognizes the significance of this moment. While we join in mourning his loss, we remain resolute in our call for justice. We had hoped that Senator Johnson and all alleged war actors would have the opportunity to respond to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Liberia’s civil conflict.
“Though his passing has made this impossible, we nonetheless urge President Boakai’s administration, in collaboration with justice-focused partners, to prioritize the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. The pursuit of justice and accountability cannot be delayed.
“This initiative is crucial to ensure that those allegedly responsible—many of whom remain active and influential—for the heinous atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflict are held accountable. The need for justice is urgent. Addressing the actions of the late Senator Johnson, along with others who continue to live without accountability, is essential for a nation still striving to heal from its painful past.
“By holding accountable those responsible for the suffering of countless Liberians and the loss of an estimated 250,000 lives, we create a pathway for healing and closure for affected families. Furthermore, we affirm Liberia’s commitment to justice and send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated.
“In this poignant moment, STAND calls on all stakeholders to unify their efforts toward the establishment of a court that will bring justice to perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses. Only through such measures can Liberia reconcile its past and build a more just and equitable future for all its citizens,” the pro-war and economic crimes advocacy group stated emphatically.
The life and times of PYJ
Senator Prince Yormie Johnson served as Nimba County senator since 2006 after he had featured prominently in the country’s First Civil War.
A former officer in the Armed Forces of Liberia, Johnson joined forces with Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel group after it launched the First Liberian Civil War in 1989 to overthrow President Samuel Doe. Taylor and Johnson would later split. Johnson then formed his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) which captured, tortured and executed Doe in 1990 in a gruesome gangland fashion. As cameras rolled, Johnson was seen clutching a can of Budweiser beer, demanding Doe to “bring the country’s money”.
Following continued clashes with Taylor and the pro-Doe ULIMO group, the INPFL was disbanded, and Johnson was forced into exile in Nigeria in 1992, where he converted to Christianity and reconciled with the Doe family.
Johnson returned to Liberia in 2004 following the end of the Second Liberian Civil War and was elected to the Senate of Liberia in the 2005 Liberian general election. He founded a political party, the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) in 2010, before being expelled from it in 2014. He founded a new party, Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) in 2016. He has since been re-elected to the Senate in 2014 and 2023. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for President in 2011 and 2017, respectively finishing in third and fourth place in the first round.
On 9 December 2021, Johnson was sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury for alleged political corruption, claiming he would sell votes in elections for financial gains.
Apart from his active political life, Senator Johnson has managed over the years to quietly shed off his warlord garment in exchange for clerical and humanitarian ones, as evidenced by his founding and pastoring of the Christ Chapel of Faith Ministry, and the PYJ Polytechnic University in Ganta, Nimba County.
It can be recalled, Senator Johnson and Vice President Jeremiah Koung recently visited Ganta in Nimba County to dedicate one of the halls of the PYJ Polytechnic University, named in honor of the late Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema. The event was graced by the Togolese Minister of Higher Education.
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