The accusations come amid mounting criticism of President Boakai’s stance on the War Crimes Court, an issue that has reignited discussions about accountability for atrocities committed during the conflict. Senator Nimely suggested that Boakai’s political relationship with the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a key figure in the civil war, was marred by betrayal. He claimed the president failed to honor political agreements made during the 2023 campaign, which Nimely said included promises to Johnson.
Nimely underlined Johnson’s pivotal role in securing Boakai’s election victory. He credited the late senator with mobilizing crucial votes for the “Rescue Mission” coalition, a political bloc instrumental in defeating former President George Weah. However, Nimely argued that Boakai’s wartime involvement, particularly his alleged connection to the Lofa County Defense Force, demands scrutiny. He warned that the establishment of a War Crimes Court could expose the president to accountability for actions taken during the war.
While President Boakai has not been widely associated with the major warlords of the conflict, Nimely’s allegations have sparked widespread debate about the potential impact on the president’s legacy. These claims also highlight lingering tensions surrounding Liberia’s efforts to address war crimes and ensure justice.
In a recent address in Nimba County, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely paid tribute to the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, reflecting on his life and controversial legacy. In his remarks, Nimely recalled Johnson’s frequent late-night calls seeking advice on political matters. “He would call me at 9 or 10 p.m. almost every night,” Nimely said. “Whenever he asked, ‘Distinguished, what should I do?’ I gave him my honest opinion, and he always trusted me.”
Nimely described Johnson’s transition from warlord to preacher and politician as a complex journey. Despite spending two decades seeking forgiveness and redemption, Johnson struggled with his past and the fear of prosecution. “He sought peace, but Liberia’s wounds from the war remain deep,” Nimely observed.
The tribute also examined Johnson’s political alliances, including his support for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah, which Nimely argued were motivated by a desire to avoid prosecution. Johnson’s eventual alignment with the Rescue Mission coalition reflected his hope for a political future free from the shadow of his wartime actions. However, Nimely noted that Johnson’s fears of accountability persisted until his final days.
Reflecting on Liberia’s broader challenges, Nimely criticized the absence of a comprehensive approach to justice and reconciliation. He lamented the unresolved tensions stemming from the civil war, arguing that every Liberian bears some responsibility for the country’s troubled history. “Every hand in Liberia has a bloodstain,” he said, urging the nation to confront its past.
