Former Liberian army officer and controversial figure Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson has died, according to reports from Monrovia. Johnson, who was widely recognized for his role in the Liberian civil war, passed away last evening, though the cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Prince Johnson, a former rebel turned evangelist, was notorious for his actions during the civil war, which resulted in the suffering and deaths of thousands. He gained infamy for leading a faction that pillaged the resources of Liberia and employed ruthless tactics against his enemies.
In the late 1980s, Johnson abandoned the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to join forces with Gio tribesman and former AFL Commanding General Thomas G. Quiwonkpa. They fled the country to prepare for an invasion aimed at removing President Samuel Doe from power. Their first attempt to take control of Liberia failed as Gen. quuwonkpa dies in the crisis, but Johnson later joined forces with Charles Taylor in December 1989, launching a second invasion.
This incursion marked the beginning of a brutal civil war that resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and the eventual capture of President Doe. Johnson played a pivotal role in Doe’s downfall, as it was the ECOWAS peacekeepers who held Doe at the Freeport of Monrovia, calling Johnson to retrieve him after Ghanaian-led forces disarmed the then-Liberian president.
Johnson’s death marks a significant moment in Liberia’s tumultuous history, as he was a figure deeply intertwined with the events that shaped the nation. As more information becomes available, this story will continue to develop. Stay tuned for updates.
