MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a polarizing figure in Liberian politics and a former warlord, has passed away at the age of 72.
According to credible family sources, Johnson slipped into a coma before being pronounced dead. The news was confirmed to Verity Online News and The Town Square by close family members.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Tapeta, Nimba County, Johnson’s life journey was as complex as it was controversial. Raised in Monrovia by his uncle, Johnson joined the Liberian National Guard (LNG) in 1971, which later became the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). A stern disciplinarian, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and received training both in Liberia and the United States.
Johnson served as an aide-de-camp to General Thomas Quiwonkpa, an association that would shape his future trajectory. Following Quiwonkpa’s exile due to allegations of a coup attempt against then-President Samuel Doe, Johnson fled with him. This marked the beginning of his opposition to Doe’s regime, culminating in his involvement in the First Liberian Civil War.
In 1989, Johnson joined Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) as its Chief Training Officer. However, a power struggle with Taylor led to Johnson breaking away and forming the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Under his leadership, the INPFL captured significant parts of Monrovia, setting the stage for one of the most infamous events in Liberia’s history.
On September 9, 1990, Johnson’s forces abducted President Samuel Doe from the ECOMOG headquarters in Monrovia. In a widely publicized and gruesome act, Doe was tortured and executed while Johnson watched, sipping beer and giving orders. The footage shocked the world, solidifying Johnson’s reputation as one of Liberia’s most ruthless warlords.
Despite his violent past, Johnson claimed the presidency briefly before being forced into exile by Charles Taylor’s consolidation of power. He fled to Nigeria in 1992, where he reportedly underwent a dramatic transformation. While in exile, Johnson became a born-again Christian, reconciled with the Doe family, and began preaching under the guidance of Nigerian pastor T.B. Joshua.
Johnson’s return to Liberia in 2004 marked the beginning of his transition from warlord to politician. The end of the Second Liberian Civil War created an opportunity for him to re-enter public life, and he successfully ran for the Senate in 2005, representing Nimba County. His election highlighted the enduring loyalty of his constituents, who saw him as a defender of their interests.
As a senator, Johnson was a dominant force in Liberian politics, often described as the “political godfather” of Nimba County. He founded multiple political parties, including the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) in 2010 and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) in 2016. His influence was evident in his role as a kingmaker in national elections.
In presidential bids, Johnson ran unsuccessfully in 2011 and 2017, finishing third and fourth, respectively. However, his endorsement of George Weah in the 2017 run-off election played a pivotal role in Weah’s victory. By 2022, Johnson had withdrawn his support for Weah, citing dissatisfaction with Nimba County’s lack of representation in top government positions.
Johnson’s tenure was not without controversy. In 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) named him among 50 individuals recommended for a 30-year ban from public office due to his role in the civil war. Johnson dismissed the TRC’s findings as biased, and a Supreme Court ruling later declared the recommendations unconstitutional.
In 2021, Johnson’s reputation faced another blow when the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned him for alleged corruption, accusing him of selling votes for financial gain. Despite these allegations, he retained significant support in Nimba County, securing re-election to the Senate in 2014 and 2023.
Outside of politics, Johnson was the head pastor of the Christ Chapel of Faith Ministry in Paynesville. He used his platform to blend religious teachings with political rhetoric, presenting himself as both a spiritual and political leader.
Johnson’s leadership was often polarizing. While some viewed him as a war criminal, others saw him as a pragmatic leader who advocated for his people. His ability to navigate Liberia’s complex political landscape, despite his controversial past, underscored his resilience and adaptability.
His death marks the end of an era for Nimba County and Liberia as a whole. Johnson’s influence shaped the political and social dynamics of the nation, leaving behind a legacy that will be debated for years to come.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung, a close ally and protégé of Johnson, reacted to the news with a brief but poignant statement: “Jesus.” Koung’s reaction reflects the deep personal and political ties Johnson cultivated over decades.
Prince Yormie Johnson’s passing leaves a void in Nimba County’s politics. As the people of Nimba and the country reflect on his life, his legacy will continue to evoke mixed emotions—a reminder of Liberia’s turbulent history and its ongoing journey toward peace and reconciliation.
