On January 18, 2025, Gompa City in Nimba County became a scene for highly charged political speeches rather than solemn tributes to the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
The atmosphere, which should have been filled with lamentation and reflection, was instead punctuated by impassioned partisan speeches, with figures from all sides of Liberia’s political spectrum weighing in on the life and legacy of a man who had long been at the center of the country’s turbulent history.
Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Nimely took the floor to address the mourners, speaking not only of the late Senator Johnson’s traits but also of the political betrayals he felt Johnson had suffered in his final years.
Nimely, a long-time friend of the late senator, noted that Johnson had carried the burden of betrayal by a system he had once supported. He passionately recalled their discussions on peace for Liberia, with Johnson constantly advocating for redemption and reconciliation after decades of civil strife.
However, Nimely’s tribute quickly turned into a pointed critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, particularly its failure to fulfill a key promise to Johnson. According to Nimely, the late senator supported successive administrations, including Boakai, hoping to avoid prosecution for his actions during Liberia’s civil war. Nimely contended that Johnson had seen the signing of an executive order to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court as a betrayal, drawing loud applause from the crowd. The senator’s speech, marked by nostalgia and indignation, underscored the disillusionment Johnson had experienced with the political establishment, particularly regarding the issue of war crimes accountability.
“The new president promised Senator Johnson time,” Nimely stated, “but when the time came, the time was not given.” He continued warning of the complexities of prosecuting former warlords, citing the solidarity that ex-combatants would have shown with Johnson. Given the sensitive history between the ex-fighters and the Liberian state, his remarks alluded to a possible political storm that could have erupted had Johnson been prosecuted.
Amid Nimely’s scathing remarks, Speaker Richard Nagbeh Koon stepped forward to offer his perspective. Koon accused Senator Nimely of betrayal, claiming that Nimely had signed the resolution for the establishment of the War Crimes Court, which ultimately contributed to Johnson’s pressures and subsequent death. “You troubled him,” Koon said sharply, addressing Nimely. “You signed that resolution when you knew how it would affect him. You would have never done that if you were truly his friend.” The tension between the two senators highlighted the deep divisions within the country’s political landscape.
Further complicating the political charge of the moment, members of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the political party once led by Senator Johnson, also voiced their grievances. Nesco Wollo, representing the MDR, accused the government and the international community of pushing Johnson to his limits, explicitly referencing the pressure surrounding establishing the War Crimes Court. “Senator Prince Johnson died because of the War Crimes Court pressure,” Wollo proclaimed, claiming that constant provocation had worn Johnson down. Wollo’s words painted a picture of a man who had felt cornered by a political system that had once relied on his support but later turned its back on him.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung made his tribute to the late senator, remembering him as a man of unyielding principles who never considered himself guilty of the atrocities often attributed to him. “Senator Johnson was never guilty,” Koung said firmly, “and that’s why he supported the creation of the War Crimes Court, to defend his actions and explain to Liberia why he did what he did.” Koung’s tribute, while acknowledging the complexities of Johnson’s legacy, affirmed his belief in the senator’s innocence and his dedication to the country. The Vice President painted a picture of a hero who, in his eyes, would be remembered for his contributions to Liberia’s politics rather than the controversies that marred his past.
A profound sense of national reflection emerged from the eulogies that followed. Many speakers, especially from Nimba County, celebrated Senator Johnson as a hero who had fought for his people and his country, regardless of his political and military challenges. They invoked his final days, remembering his steadfast belief in redemption, his desire to reconcile with Grand Gedeh County, and his passion for peace. In a profoundly emotional address, Koung spoke of how the senator had predicted that his death would stir mixed emotions across Liberia. This prophecy seemed to come true as the funeral ceremony unfolded.
The final eulogies, offered by close friends and colleagues, reflected the complex nature of Johnson’s life and legacy. President Boakai, who had known the senator through political alliances and tensions, delivered a deeply empathetic tribute. “Complexities marked Senator Johnson’s life,” Boakai began, recognizing the senator’s profound influence on Liberia’s political history. “He will forever be etched in our national story,” the president said, underscoring Johnson’s lasting impact on the nation’s journey.
Boakai also spoke of the senator’s efforts to promote national reconciliation, particularly his support for establishing a War Crimes Court in Liberia. The president acknowledged Johnson’s spiritual journey, noting his transition from a political leader to a figure of faith, and he called on all Liberians to reflect on Johnson’s life as a beacon for national healing and unity. “Though opinions may differ on his legacy, we can all agree that he played a significant part in shaping Liberia’s past, present, and future,” Boakai stated, leaving a call for reflection on the senator’s actual role in the country’s recovery.
Despite the political divisions that surfaced during the funeral proceedings, one thing was clear: Senator Prince Yormie Johnson’s legacy, marked by a blend of controversy, leadership, and sacrifice, would continue to evoke strong emotions and provoke debate across Liberia for years. His death at 72, on November 28, 2024, symbolized the end of an era in which his actions had significantly shaped the nation’s political landscape. As his body was laid to rest at the PYJ Polytechnic University in Ganta, Nimba County, on January 18, 2025, it became evident that the struggles, promises, and contradictions of his life would remain a significant part of Liberia’s story long after the final tributes were made.
