Recent statement attributed to Gen. Prince C. Johnson, Chief of Staff of the Liberian National Army is reckless, provocative, and unbecoming of a man who we thought was a military professional. He spoke loosely and sounded more aggravating than mitigating in his disposition.
By every measure of reasoning Gen Johnson’s statement can be construed as partisan politics or acting in the interest of the ruling CDC party
By: Nyaquoi Gehgan
Under the military code, a military can only act upon the command of a Commander; as such, it was reckless and unprofessional for a higher ranking General to release a provocative statement in peacetime without the approval of his commander. But the real question is why did Gen Johnson make such statement? Was there imminent danger that warranted his statement? Was he instructed to make this statement; if so by who? These questions are germane to this conversation because it is uncommon for a military to comment on issues that are outside the prerogative of the military. The New Defense Act of 2008 which repealed the National Defense Act Law of 1956, the Coast Guard Act of 1959 and the Liberian Navy Act of 1986 outlined clear rules of engagement for the Liberian National Army.
Chapter 2, section 2.3(a) of the new National Defense Act of 2008 reads…” the primary mission of the AFL, shall be to defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Liberia, including land, air and marine territory, against external aggressions”. The key phrase is External Aggressions. Is there an ongoing external aggression against Liberia to warrant such strong stamen from Gen. Prince C Johnson? In his interview on OK FM the General argued that the 2008 Defense Act gives the military the power to assist the Liberia national police when the threat exceeds the capacity of law enforcement. This is true, but what Gen. Johnson did not tell you is that such military assistance can only be possible upon request and approval by the President.
Did President Weah request the assistance of the military or approve Gen. Johnson’s statement? Why did General Johnson release this comment unsolicited? Is he trying to influence politics in these election months? Has the military taken side in these political powerplays?
For the benefit of those who did not read or hear the General’s statement, here is what he said…A caveat for whosoever may feel or is disenchanted as we approach the 2023 elections to use the court system as was seen in 2017 Presidential and 2020 midterm Senatorial elections. If you decide to take the law into your own hands 9disregarding the rule of law, regardless of your current or past status or affiliation, and if the Liberia National Police (LNP) can’t control your actions and/or is overwhelmed, we will not allow anyone or a group of people to obstruct our hard-earned Peace and Democracy. We will support the LNP and relevant agencies to protect key installations where necessary”.
The timing of this statement raises curiosity; especially at the time when the Collaborating Political Parties or CPP had announced a peaceful rally at the Samuel Kanyon Doe sport complex. It is important to note that following payment of fees to secure the facility, the Minister of Youth and Sport sought to deny the CPP the rights to rally at the sport stadium; to which the CPP intends to defy the Minister, citing breach of contract. As the war of words ensues, Gen. Johnson took to social media to make this provocative statement, much to the bewilderment of citizens.
What exactly did the General mean when he said, “if you decide to take the law into your own hands”? Is he insinuating that the rally is an illegal assembly? Since Gen. Johnson will not order the military to move against the LNP, one can reasonably argue that his statement is directed at the CPP rally. Hence, we need our Lawmakers to invite him to provide clarity.
Chapter 2.3e further outlined the scope of the AFL duties in peacetime. It reads…” the duties of the AFL in peacetime shall include support to the national law enforcement agencies when such support is requested and approved by the President. Such support shall include exchange of information, personnel training, and mobilization and deployment of security contingents. At no time during peacetime, however, shall the AFL engage in law enforcement within Liberia, such function being the prerogative of the Liberian National Police and other law enforcement agencies.
Notwithstanding, the Military Police of the AFL may, on request of the Ministry of Justice made to the Ministry of National Defense, and approved by the President of Liberia, aid law enforcement agencies as determined by prevailing situation. The AFL shall intervene only as a last resort when the threat exceeds the capacity of the law enforcement agencies to respond”.
Section E is clear; the Military can only act within the boundaries of Liberia with the approval of the President. As far as we know, President Weah did not activate the army to engage in law enforcement activities within the borders of Liberia. So, what really triggered Gen. Johnson to make this statement? Is Gen Johnson exerting himself into national politics to influence the election? Furthermore, his public assertion on OK FM that several people within Liberia and outside of Liberia have reached out to him to overthrow President Weah is a cause for concern. Statements like these can cause a government to move against perceived enemies.
Who are those asking the Gen. Johnson to overthrow the President? This is a serious allegation that could incite fear within the ranks of the government to clamp down on oppositions and those it perceives as enemies. I’m calling on our lawmakers to invite Gen. Johnson to clear the air. This is a serious allegation that warrants an investigation. Gen. Prince C Johnson needs to either apologize if he mis-spoke or inform the nation if there is imminent and urgent danger.