From Liberian Warlord to Political Powerhouse: The Divisive and Troubling Legacy of Prince Johnson
As a feared warlord during Liberia's First Civil War, Prince Johnson was a vicious and remorseless killer. Then, after years in exile, he returned to Liberia and entered the realm of politics
Background
The legacy of Liberian warlord Prince Johnson is mixed, depending on who you ask. He inflicted untold cruelty on military personnel and civilians alike. He later claimed to have had a spiritual awakening and converted to Christianity.
Returning to Liberia after years in exile, he became involved in politics, winning a Senate seat and even running for President of Liberia.
However, many felt that this was all a ploy to avoid the consequences of his violent past. Those who were victims of his cruelty were not quick to forget.
Rise of a Rebel
Prince Yormie Johnson was born on July 6th, 1952, in Tapeta, Liberia. He was raised by his uncle in the capital of Monrovia. In his late teens, Johnson enlisted in the Liberian National Guard. He rose through the ranks, earning the title of Lieutenant.
Eventually, the Liberian National Guard became the official Armed Forces of Liberia. Johnson served as the Commanding General.
Despite his success and promise, Johnson changed alliances to become the Chief Training Officer of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). This rebel group, led by Charles Taylor, fought in Liberia’s First Civil War in 1989.
Despite supporting the rebel cause, Johnson clashed with Taylor over ideological differences. This led to Johnson creating his own rebel group, the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL).
In the summer of 1990, the INPFL succeeded in taking control of Monrovia. The war had been bloody, and Johnson himself had proven to be beyond ruthless, even outside of battle. Anyone who dared to criticize Johnson or stand against him was swiftly and mercilessly killed.
During the war, humanitarians providing food to starving citizens sent a letter to Johnson begging him to stop the senseless killings. In response, Johnson arranged for the murder of a Hare Krishna temple leader and several of her students, a graphic display of the INPFL’s brutality.
Murder of President Doe
With the capital city now under the INPFL’s control, Johnson and his rebels set their sights on Liberia’s President, Samuel Doe. INPFL forces, under Johnson’s command, captured Doe on September 9th, 1990.
The President was brutally tortured and executed by Johnson’s regime. The entire incident was recorded and shared with the world. In the video, Johnson was seen relaxing and enjoying a beer while Doe was being horrifically tortured.
With the President dead, Johnson claimed himself to be the new leader of Liberia. However, this unofficial title was short-lived. Charles Taylor had managed to consolidate other rebel forces under his command, and Johnson was forced into exile.
The disgraced warlord fled to Nigeria, where he lived for twelve years. Meanwhile, the Second Liberian Civil War ensued at home.
Political Rebirth
During his exile in Nigeria, Johnson converted to Christianity. Later, personal statements from Johnson claim that after his conversion, he reconciled with Samuel Doe’s family.
After the Second Liberian Civil War ended, Johnson returned home in 2004. This time, he did not position himself as a warlord but as a man dedicated to change and reform. In 2005, Johnson was elected by his birthplace, Nimba County, to serve on Liberia’s Senate.
Though his methods were certainly different, Johnson remained a fiery and passionate fighter. He positioned himself as a voice for those in his region who had been marginalized and cast aside.
Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s political adversaries criticized his bloody and brutal past, claiming that he’d seized political power to avoid being held accountable for his previous abuses of human rights.
In 2009, many urged that he be brought to justice, but he was never tried for any crimes. In 2011, Johnson ran for President as part of the National Union for Democratic Progress party, but he was unsuccessful.
He attempted to run again unsuccessfully in 2017 under his own party, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction party.
Many people posited that Johnson’s influence was too controversial, and it was a dark reminder of the violent history of the nation. In many elections, Johnson brokered the vote, and in 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on Johnson for impeding the democratic process by selling votes.
A Divisive Legacy
On November 28th, 2024, Prince Johnson died in a hospital in Montserrado County. He was 72 years old. His funeral was a state-sanctioned five-day event, with crowds attending to pay their respects.
Liberians were divided by the news of his passing. Many mourned the opportunity to see Johnson brought to justice for the horrific atrocities he’d committed. On the other hand, many people viewed Johnson as a hero and greatly mourned the loss of such a strong leader.
The mixed reactions to Johnson’s death serve as a testament to his divisive legacy. Since his return to Liberia, many believed him to be a sadistic and evil man, incapable of change. These people were eager to see a war criminal face the consequences of his actions.
To others, Johnson was a fierce fighter on and off the battlefield. He was someone who they looked up to as a freedom fighter and a voice to the voiceless. It seems likely that the legacy Prince Johnson left behind will always be one of great division, a hero in the eyes of some and a villain in the eyes of many.
Sources:
Gabriel, Trip. “Prince Johnson, 72, Warlord Who Executed Liberia’s President, Dies.” The New York Times, 5 Dec. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/world/africa/prince-johnson-dead.html.
Garzeawu, Moses Kollie. “Prince Johnson: Liberia’s Notorious Rebel-Turned-Senator Dies at 72.” BBC, 28 Nov. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kn9v97e3vo.
“Prince Johnson.” Wikipedia, 29 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Johnson.
Weah, Aaron. “Prince Y. Johnson: The Great Escape.” JusticeInfo.net, 16 Dec. 2024, www.justiceinfo.net/en/139492-prince-y-johnson-great-escape.html. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.