MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Proposed Party For the People leader Matthew Nyanplu has sharply criticized Grand Gedeh Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, a former rebel leader, over comments made during the funeral of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. In a statement issued on January 18, 2025, Nyanplu described Nimely’s remarks as an affront to justice and a painful reminder of the atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil wars.
Nyanplu took aim at Nimely’s opposition to the establishment of a war crimes court, accusing him of perpetuating fear to shield himself from accountability. “This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to evade justice,” Nyanplu said, condemning Nimely’s claim that prosecuting war criminals would destabilize the country. “True stability comes from justice, not from protecting those who violated the laws of war.”
Highlighting the legacy of Nimely’s MODEL rebel faction, Nyanplu recalled the horrors inflicted on civilians in southeastern Liberia. He recounted personal memories of the war, including the humiliation of his father and other community elders in Grand Kru County. “The violence inflicted by your forces stripped communities of their dignity and livelihoods,” Nyanplu asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability to heal the wounds of the past.
Nyanplu dismissed Nimely’s warnings of resistance from former combatants as hollow threats. He argued that Liberia’s collective will to pursue justice far outweighs the influence of those seeking to avoid accountability. “Liberians will not be intimidated by those who once terrorized them,” he stated. “Our nation is resilient, and no threat of unrest will derail our pursuit of justice.”
In his remarks, Nyanplu stressed the importance of the judicial process, urging Nimely to submit to the rule of law. He challenged the senator to face any allegations in court, where evidence would determine guilt or innocence. “Justice is not vengeance,” Nyanplu explained. “It is a system that allows the truth to prevail. If you have nothing to hide, you should welcome the opportunity to clear your name.”
The aspiring president also criticized Liberia’s history of impunity, arguing that the lack of accountability has emboldened individuals like Nimely to openly resist justice. He emphasized that prosecuting war crimes is a vital step toward preventing future atrocities and honoring the memories of victims. “When we hold perpetrators accountable, we send a clear message that such crimes will never be tolerated again,” Nyanplu declared.
He ended his statement with a sharp rebuke, urging Nimely to abandon his anti-justice stance. “Your rhetoric only deepens the pain of your victims and tarnishes the nation’s efforts to move forward,” Nyanplu stated. “For the sake of Liberia’s future, step aside and let justice take its course.”
Nyanplu’s strong condemnation has added fuel to the ongoing national debate over the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia. Nearly a quarter-century after the civil wars ended, the demand for accountability continues to grow, with many citizens calling for justice as a cornerstone of reconciliation and lasting peace.
