For some it was a tragedy while for others it was a relief for the political landscape of the country. Whatever it was, news of the death of a figure regarded to be controversial, a king maker, a notorious rebel leader and a political giant, Nimba County Senator Prince Yedou Johnson filled the airwaves early on Thursday morning on 28th November, 2024. From the end of Paynesville were Senator Johnson lived, it was a mixed atmospheric scene where it was though raining but at the sun was at the same time shining, while everyone glued to their sets eager to know what had led to the sudden death of the Liberian statesman, who had went to bed and awakened healthy and sound in in the morning; Reports Bill Jarkloh.
As journalists searched to know the cause of death, reports filtering for public consumption had it that Senator Johnson fell in his bathroom, was rushed to the Hope for Women Hospital – a health center reportedly belonging to former Liberian Health Minister Wellimina Jallah – where the Senator was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.
Johnson, the author of the book, “The Guns that Liberate Should not Rule” during the course of the fratricidal Liberian civil debacle, played a major role in Liberian politics at the aftermath of the Liberia civil war, when he was elected Senator for Nimba County, since the first term of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He significantly contributed to the enthronement of President Sirleaf, President George Manneh Weah, and President Joseph N. Boakai to the Presidency, using his vote rich Nimba County – the largest county with population density in the country – Liberia.
Johnson who joined the Liberian Frontier Force since the 1940s was a highly trained Liberian commando who reportedly fired the first bullet for Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on the position of Samuel Doe’s Armed Forces of Liberia thereby commencing the first round of the Liberian civil crisis, although he broke away from Taylor due to internal disagreements between him and Taylor and formed his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) which fought its way from Taylor forces and eventually captured the Bushrod Island, where Liberia’s largest port, the Freeport of Monrovia is located
Johnson fought a triangular war until he captured former President Samuel Kanyon Doe, for whom the Taylor rebellion was launched.
Various media perspectives greeted the reportage of Senator Johnmson’s death. The BBC reported that Prince Yormie Johnson, Liberian warlord-turned-politician, who became infamous for the 1990 footage of him sipping beer while the-then president was tortured nearby, has died at the age of 72.
As one of the key figures in the two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, the BBC reported that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission said he should be prosecuted for war crimes, though he was never brought to trial.
But as a senator since 2005, he was highly influential in Liberian politics, backing the last three successful presidential candidates. While some have celebrated his political role, others viewed him as a symbol of the country’s struggles with accountability.
“We see his death as a blow to many victims who were awaiting to see the senator to face justice given his role in the civil war,” human rights activist and campaigner for a special war crimes court Adama Dempster told the BBC.
An estimated 250,000 people died in the conflicts and many survivors from sexual assault and other attacks were left permanently scarred.
The cause of Johnson’s death in the capital, Monrovia, has not been disclosed.
In a condolence message to his family, President Joseph Boakai – who Johnson supported in his presidential campaign last year – described him as “a figure who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s complex historical evolution and contributed to national discourse through his service in the Senate”.
Back in 1990, rebel soldiers from Johnson’s Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia captured President Samuel Doe and were then, in front of their leader, filmed mutilating him – his ear was sliced off – before he was killed.
The warlord later expressed regret for what had happened, but, as quoted by the AFP news agency, justified his role in the war, saying he was defending “my country, my people, who were led to the slaughterhouse as if they were chickens and goats, by the Doe regime”.
He also said he had changed and had become a pastor in an evangelical church.
As a politician he was praised by his constituents in Nimba County for working to improve their lives.
In 2021 Johnson was sanctioned by the US for alleged involvement in so-called pay-for-play funding, where he would reportedly personally benefit from the distribution of government funding to various ministries.
He was also accused of selling votes for personal gain in several elections, leading to criticism from some of his allies.
But Wilfred Bangura, a former leading official in Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, said “politically he was very weighty and strong” and that he only changed alliances once he saw people moving away from him.
While certainly revered and being mourned by many in his home county – where he was seen as a hero and liberator – elsewhere people feel he was not made to pay for the crimes committed during the civil war.
Other media outlets quoted credible family sources that Senator Johnson, a retired Brigadier General, slipped into a coma before being pronounced dead. The news was confirmed to Verity Online News and The Town Square by close family members.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Tapeta, Nimba County, this account sees Johnson’s life journey was as complex as it was controversial. Raised in Monrovia by his uncle, Johnson joined the Liberian National Guard (LNG) in 1971, which later became the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). A stern disciplinarian, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and received training both in Liberia and the United States.
Johnson served as an aide-de-camp to General Thomas Quiwonkpa, an association that would shape his future trajectory. Following Quiwonkpa’s exile due to allegations of a coup attempt against then-President Samuel Doe, Johnson fled with him. This marked the beginning of his opposition to Doe’s regime, culminating in his involvement in the First Liberian Civil War.
In 1989, Johnson joined Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) as its Chief Training Officer. However, a power struggle with Taylor led to Johnson breaking away and forming the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Under his leadership, the INPFL captured significant parts of Monrovia, setting the stage for one of the most infamous events in Liberia’s history.
On September 9, 1990, Johnson’s forces abducted President Samuel Doe from the ECOMOG headquarters in Monrovia. In a widely publicized and gruesome act, Doe was tortured and executed while Johnson watched, sipping beer and giving orders. The footage shocked the world, solidifying Johnson’s reputation as one of Liberia’s most ruthless warlords.
Despite his violent past, Johnson claimed the presidency briefly before being forced into exile by Charles Taylor’s consolidation of power. He fled to Nigeria in 1992, where he reportedly underwent a dramatic transformation. While in exile, Johnson became a born-again Christian, reconciled with the Doe family, and began preaching under the guidance of Nigerian pastor T.B. Joshua.
Johnson’s return to Liberia in 2004 marked the beginning of his transition from warlord to politician. The end of the Second Liberian Civil War created an opportunity for him to re-enter public life, and he successfully ran for the Senate in 2005, representing Nimba County. His election highlighted the enduring loyalty of his constituents, who saw him as a defender of their interests.
As a senator, Johnson was a dominant force in Liberian politics, often described as the “political godfather” of Nimba County. He founded multiple political parties, including the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) in 2010 and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) in 2016. His influence was evident in his role as a kingmaker in national elections.
In presidential bids, Johnson ran unsuccessfully in 2011 and 2017, finishing third and fourth, respectively. However, his endorsement of George Weah in the 2017 run-off election played a pivotal role in Weah’s victory. By 2022, Johnson had withdrawn his support for Weah, citing dissatisfaction with Nimba County’s lack of representation in top government positions.
Meanwhile, former President George Manneh Weah, leader of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has expressed his deep sorrow over the unexpected death of Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The senator passed away in the early morning of Thursday, November 28, 2024, in Monrovia.
Weah shared his heartfelt condolences to Johnson’s family, the people of Nimba County, and the Liberian Senate, saying, “Liberia is bereaved; Nimba is bereaved; the Liberian Senate is bereaved. May his soul and those of all faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!”
Senator Johnson, a highly influential yet controversial figure in Liberia’s political sphere, was instrumental in Weah’s victory during the 2017 presidential elections. Johnson had endorsed Weah ahead of the runoff election on November 7, 2017, in alignment with the Ganta Declaration, a 2016 agreement among opposition leaders to oust the ruling Unity Party, led by then-Vice President Joseph Boakai. Johnson rallied other opposition leaders to support Weah, advocating for change in the government.
However, their alliance deteriorated during Weah’s presidency. In 2023, Johnson publicly withdrew his support from the CDC-led government, citing unfulfilled promises made to Nimba County. According to Johnson, a 2017 agreement ensured key ministerial and ambassadorial posts for individuals from Nimba, based on his recommendations. He expressed frustration that these commitments had not been honored, despite his persistent efforts to engage the government.
Prince Y. Johnson, A Retired B/General, Rebel Leader and King-maker Has Fallen
For some it was a tragedy while for others it was a relief for the political landscape of the country. Whatever it was, news of the death of a figure regarded to be controversial, a king maker, a notorious rebel leader and a political giant, Nimba County Senator Prince Yedou Johnson filled te airwavels early on Thursday morning on 28th November, 2024. From the end of Paynesville were Senator Johnsson lived, it was a mixed atmospheric scene where it was though raining but at the sun was at the same time shining, while everyone glued to their sets eager to know what had led to the sudden death of the Liberian statesman, who had went to bed and awakened healthy and sound in in the morning; Reports Bill Jarkloh.
As journalists searched to know the cause of death, reports filtering for public consumption had it that Senator Johnson fell in his bathroom, was rushed to the Hope for Women Hospital – a health center reportedly belonging to former Liberian Health Minister Wellimina Jallah – where the Senator was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.
Johnson, the author of the book, “The Guns that Liberate Should not Rule” during the course of the fratricidal Liberian civil debacle, played a major role in Liberian politics at the aftermath of the Liberia civil war, when he was elected Senator for Nimba County, since the first term of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He significantly contributed to the enthronement of President Sirleaf, President George Manneh Weah, and President Joseph N. Boakai to the Presidency, using his vote rich Nimba County – the largest county with population density in the country – Liberia.
Johnson who joined the Liberian Frontier Force since the 1940s was a highly trained Liberian commando who reportedly fired the first bullet for Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on the position of Samuel Doe’s Armed Forces of Liberia thereby commencing the first round of the Liberian civil crisis, although he broke away from Taylor due to internal disagreements between him and Taylor and formed his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) which fought its way from Taylor forces and eventually captured the Bushrod Island, where Liberia’s largest port, the Freeport of Monrovia is located
Johnson fought a triangular war until he captured former President Samuel Kanyon Doe, for whom the Taylor rebellion was launched.
Various media perspectives greeted the reportage of Senator Johnmson’s death. The BBC reported that Prince Yormie Johnson, Liberian warlord-turned-politician, who became infamous for the 1990 footage of him sipping beer while the-then president was tortured nearby, has died at the age of 72.
As one of the key figures in the two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, the BBC reported that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission said he should be prosecuted for war crimes, though he was never brought to trial.
But as a senator since 2005, he was highly influential in Liberian politics, backing the last three successful presidential candidates. While some have celebrated his political role, others viewed him as a symbol of the country’s struggles with accountability.
“We see his death as a blow to many victims who were awaiting to see the senator to face justice given his role in the civil war,” human rights activist and campaigner for a special war crimes court Adama Dempster told the BBC.
An estimated 250,000 people died in the conflicts and many survivors from sexual assault and other attacks were left permanently scarred.
The cause of Johnson’s death in the capital, Monrovia, has not been disclosed.
In a condolence message to his family, President Joseph Boakai – who Johnson supported in his presidential campaign last year – described him as “a figure who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s complex historical evolution and contributed to national discourse through his service in the Senate”.
Back in 1990, rebel soldiers from Johnson’s Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia captured President Samuel Doe and were then, in front of their leader, filmed mutilating him – his ear was sliced off – before he was killed.
The warlord later expressed regret for what had happened, but, as quoted by the AFP news agency, justified his role in the war, saying he was defending “my country, my people, who were led to the slaughterhouse as if they were chickens and goats, by the Doe regime”.
He also said he had changed and had become a pastor in an evangelical church.
As a politician he was praised by his constituents in Nimba County for working to improve their lives.
In 2021 Johnson was sanctioned by the US for alleged involvement in so-called pay-for-play funding, where he would reportedly personally benefit from the distribution of government funding to various ministries.
He was also accused of selling votes for personal gain in several elections, leading to criticism from some of his allies.
But Wilfred Bangura, a former leading official in Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, said “politically he was very weighty and strong” and that he only changed alliances once he saw people moving away from him.
While certainly revered and being mourned by many in his home county – where he was seen as a hero and liberator – elsewhere people feel he was not made to pay for the crimes committed during the civil war.
Other media outlets quoted credible family sources that Senator Johnson, a retired Brigadier General, slipped into a coma before being pronounced dead. The news was confirmed to Verity Online News and The Town Square by close family members.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Tapeta, Nimba County, this account sees Johnson’s life journey was as complex as it was controversial. Raised in Monrovia by his uncle, Johnson joined the Liberian National Guard (LNG) in 1971, which later became the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). A stern disciplinarian, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and received training both in Liberia and the United States.
Johnson served as an aide-de-camp to General Thomas Quiwonkpa, an association that would shape his future trajectory. Following Quiwonkpa’s exile due to allegations of a coup attempt against then-President Samuel Doe, Johnson fled with him. This marked the beginning of his opposition to Doe’s regime, culminating in his involvement in the First Liberian Civil War.
In 1989, Johnson joined Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) as its Chief Training Officer. However, a power struggle with Taylor led to Johnson breaking away and forming the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Under his leadership, the INPFL captured significant parts of Monrovia, setting the stage for one of the most infamous events in Liberia’s history.
On September 9, 1990, Johnson’s forces abducted President Samuel Doe from the ECOMOG headquarters in Monrovia. In a widely publicized and gruesome act, Doe was tortured and executed while Johnson watched, sipping beer and giving orders. The footage shocked the world, solidifying Johnson’s reputation as one of Liberia’s most ruthless warlords.
Despite his violent past, Johnson claimed the presidency briefly before being forced into exile by Charles Taylor’s consolidation of power. He fled to Nigeria in 1992, where he reportedly underwent a dramatic transformation. While in exile, Johnson became a born-again Christian, reconciled with the Doe family, and began preaching under the guidance of Nigerian pastor T.B. Joshua.
Johnson’s return to Liberia in 2004 marked the beginning of his transition from warlord to politician. The end of the Second Liberian Civil War created an opportunity for him to re-enter public life, and he successfully ran for the Senate in 2005, representing Nimba County. His election highlighted the enduring loyalty of his constituents, who saw him as a defender of their interests.
As a senator, Johnson was a dominant force in Liberian politics, often described as the “political godfather” of Nimba County. He founded multiple political parties, including the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) in 2010 and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) in 2016. His influence was evident in his role as a kingmaker in national elections.
In presidential bids, Johnson ran unsuccessfully in 2011 and 2017, finishing third and fourth, respectively. However, his endorsement of George Weah in the 2017 run-off election played a pivotal role in Weah’s victory. By 2022, Johnson had withdrawn his support for Weah, citing dissatisfaction with Nimba County’s lack of representation in top government positions.
Meanwhile, former President George Manneh Weah, leader of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has expressed his deep sorrow over the unexpected death of Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The senator passed away in the early morning of Thursday, November 28, 2024, in Monrovia.
Weah shared his heartfelt condolences to Johnson’s family, the people of Nimba County, and the Liberian Senate, saying, “Liberia is bereaved; Nimba is bereaved; the Liberian Senate is bereaved. May his soul and those of all faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!”
Senator Johnson, a highly influential yet controversial figure in Liberia’s political sphere, was instrumental in Weah’s victory during the 2017 presidential elections. Johnson had endorsed Weah ahead of the runoff election on November 7, 2017, in alignment with the Ganta Declaration, a 2016 agreement among opposition leaders to oust the ruling Unity Party, led by then-Vice President Joseph Boakai. Johnson rallied other opposition leaders to support Weah, advocating for change in the government.
However, their alliance deteriorated during Weah’s presidency. In 2023, Johnson publicly withdrew his support from the CDC-led government, citing unfulfilled promises made to Nimba County. According to Johnson, a 2017 agreement ensured key ministerial and ambassadorial posts for individuals from Nimba, based on his recommendations. He expressed frustration that these commitments had not been honored, despite his persistent efforts to engage the government.
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