Monrovia, Liberia-It has been announced by Montserrado County Senator, Abraham Darius Dallon, on social media that Nimba County Senator and former warlord for the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) Prince Yormie Johnson has submitted his letter of resignation as Chairman for the Liberian Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs to the Liberian Senate Plenary. The elevation of Sen. Johnson to such a high-profile leadership position in the Liberian Senate took place on May 18, 2021.
Due to the election of the Senior Senator, the Liberian Senate has come under immense pressure and regular condemnation from the Liberian public, international and diplomatic partners including Liberia’s historic and strongest ally the United States of America through its Mission near Monrovia for electing Senator Prince Y. Johnson to such delicate and strategic position having full knowledge of his many human rights violations, indiscrimination killings, victimization, and destruction during the 1990s. Over 250,000 people were killed in Liberia civil wars from 1989-2003 but as of the date of this reporting, no participating warlords or benefactors have been tried for war crimes in the country despite Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations.
The United States of America in its strongest condemnation wrote in a statement published by its Mission near Monrovia, that “the U.S. Embassy strongly condemns the election yesterday of notorious warlord Prince Y. Johnson as Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defence and Intelligence. Senator Johnson’s gross human rights violations during Liberia’s civil wars are well-documented; his continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known. That the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate him to a leadership role – particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm – creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberia’s defense and security.”
“The U.S. Embassy strongly condemns the election yesterday of notorious warlord Prince Y. Johnson as Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defence and Intelligence. Senator Johnson’s gross human rights violations during Liberia’s civil wars are well-documented; his continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known. That the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate him to a leadership role – particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm – creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberia’s defense and security.”
Meanwhile, one of the strongest campaigners for Senator Johnson’s resignation Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, upon hearing the information post to his social media celebrating the resignation of Sen. Johnson who he did not endorse to such position.
Senator Dillon wrote, “Sen. Prince Johnson’s pressured resignation from the Senate Leadership position on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs is a step toward accountability and impunity. This is victory toward popular calls for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.”
“Sen. Prince Johnson’s pressured resignation from the Senate Leadership position on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs is a step toward accountability and impunity. This is victory toward popular calls for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.”
In his communication to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, Senator Prince Y. Johnson said, his decision to resign from the chairmanship of the committee was triggered by recommendations from respected officials of his beloved county. He also stated that concerned stakeholders and executives of his political party met and advised him to consider resigning the responsibilities in the Senate as Chair of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs.
Recent months have seen strong waves of both domestic and international demands for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations which were submitted on December 19, 2008. These demands have seen a renewed and sustained momentum from Liberians at home and in the Diaspora for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court so that victims of Liberia’s civil war ( 1989-2003) can finally have justice.
Africa Live News has requested comments from Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s office but was unable to get a response.
