Prince Johnson, notorious Liberian warlord, dies never having been brought to justice
(Geneva, 28 November 2024) – Senator Prince Y. Johnson, founder and former leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front (INPFL) during the first Liberian civil war died today, November 28, 2024. Placed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) at the top of its list of most notorious perpetrators, Johnson’s death is a blow to his victims who have been waiting for more than two decades for justice.
In its final report of 2009, the TRC identified Johnson as “having the highest number of violations ever recorded for individual perpetrators” during the Liberian civil wars. He was responsible for the capture, torture and execution of former President Samuel Doe, which was recorded and broadcast widely on television. Johnson is also alleged to have participated in killings, extortion, massacres, destruction of property, forced recruitment, assault, abduction, torture, forced labour and rape.
Johnson’s death comes at a time where justice for crimes in Liberia committed during its two civil wars is finding momentum. With the appointment of Cllr. Barbu as Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, tangible progress is being made in setting up Liberia’s first accountability mechanism.
Since the final report of the TRC, Johnson is the second faction leader to die before he could be brought to account before a court of law following the death of Alhaji Kromah, former leader of United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO) in 2022. This emphasises the urgent need for the Liberian Government and the international community to dedicate sufficient resources and expertise to the setting up of the War and Economic Crimes Court to combat lasting impunity for atrocities committed during the Liberian civil wars. As more time passes, victims, witnesses and perpetrators age, the chances of achieving meaningful justice fade.
While the appointment of Cllr. Barbu is a significant step forward, the death of Johnson should serve as a catalyst to fuel concerted efforts to get the court operational. For justice to prevail perpetrators should be held accountable, and victims should be heard before it is too late.
Contact information
Isabelle Tallec, Communications Manager
comms@civitas-maxima.org
+41 78 620 0021
