MONROVIA, Liberia—Ahead of his inauguration as Liberia’s 26^th President next month Joseph Boakai faces growing pressure from human rights advocates to ensure the prosecution of alleged war criminals including his key ally Senator Prince Johnson.

By Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Previous presidents have ignored the recommendation of Liberia’s 2009 Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) report that the country establish a war and economic crimes court to try the so-called “most notorious perpetrators” of the wars. Boakai’s election alliance with Johnson, who holds sway in Nimba – the second most populous county – dampened hopes among justice campaigners that Boakai might back a court as he has promised to do in the past.

But speculation mounted that Boakai might turn on Johnson after all when Front Page Africa published allegedly leaked WhatsApp messages from Boakai’s Unity Party’s chatroom that were circulating on social media. In the alleged chat party leaders complained that Johnson’s demands for cabinet positions were excessive and suggested sending him to the International Criminal Court would please the United States government and solve the party’s Johnson problem for good.

Mo Ali, spokesman for the Unity Party, immediately denounced the leaked messages as “fake, misleading” and “a propaganda ploy” by opponents. But the suggestion comes as nine alleged perpetrators of crimes in Liberia’s civil wars have been prosecuted in Europe and the United Kingdom and as U.S. pressure for the Liberian government to deal with its wartime past rises.

Johnson, the wartime leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia, has long been the key target of justice activists in Liberia and internationally. He is number one on the TRC’s perpetrators list. Unlike many other actors, Johnson’s alleged crimes were well documented. In a 1990 video, available on the internet, Johnson is filmed ordering the torture and killing of Samuel Doe, then Liberian President. He is also unusual in that he is accused of killing an American. The TRC report found Johnson responsible for a range of crimes, including the 1990 killings in Monrovia of six Krishnas, including Linda Jury, an American woman, who was also called Hladini devi dasi.

But legal experts say there is no mechanism under which Johnson, or any accused perpetrator from Liberia’s civil wars, could be sent to the International Criminal Court.

“The ICC does NOT have jurisdiction over Mr. Johnson or any other Liberian for crimes committed during the country’s past two wars,” says Hassan Bility, Director of the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP), one of the groups that documents alleged crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars, via WhatsApp.

Johnson’s alleged crimes were committed in the 1990s. Liberia signed the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in 1998. But the Statute was not ratified by Liberia’s Legislature until September 2004 – a year after Liberia’s 14 years of civil conflict ended. That means that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over any crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflict.

“They can neither investigate nor arrest or prosecute him,” says Bility.  “Thus, it does not make sense to assume that a Liberian president can turn him, or anyone else, over to the ICC.”

Johnson could face prosecution under “universal jurisdiction” – the principle under which nine alleged perpetrators in Liberia’s conflicts have been charged in Europe and the UK in the last decade. The principle holds that crimes against humanity know no boundaries and so perpetrators can be prosecuted regardless of where their crimes occurred. But only one state so far – Argentina – has enacted a law that allows the accused to be outside their jurisdiction at the time of prosecution. Experts say Johnson would need to step foot in one of the countries around the world, including the United States, that have enacted universal jurisdiction laws for him to be charged.

Johnson, was also placed on the US Treasury department’s sanctions list for alleged corruption in 2021. That ended his chances of getting a visa to the U.S. and to many other countries. There is also the possibility that an African nation could act on behalf of a universal jurisdiction state and arrest him. For this reason it is believed that Johnson has not traveled outside Liberia in recent years for fear of arrest.

The best way for Johnson to face justice is for Liberia to hold a war crimes court, according to Bility. The US has already pledged financial and technical support to a war crimes court. Bility challenged Boakai, to “use some influence to lobby Liberian legislators, especially, those who support him” to establish the court, despite his alliance with Johnson.

Boakai supported the court in 2021. His Unity Party also openly backed the court the same year.

Amos Tweh, Secretary General of the Unity Party, Boakai’s political party, did not respond to requests for comments on the matter.

Massa Washington, an ex-commissioner of the TRC, is doubtful Boakai will ensure Johnson’s prosecution.

Boakai never supported the TRC all that time,” said Washington in a WhatsApp message. “I do not see him doing so now especially with Jeremiah Koung and Prince Johnson being major allies whose political party is the number two of the coalition that brought Boakai to the presidency.”

But Washington said she and other advocates for the court “intend to continue pushing and calling for accountability to help Liberia heal and set the country on the proper trajectory towards attainable peace and reconciliation.”

“Boakai can choose between leaving a legacy as that president who actually brought justice and accountability, or he can go down struggling to define his legacy just as Ellen is now struggling to define hers,” said Washington referring to the first post-war president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who refused to back a court.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the “Investigating Liberia” project. Funding was provided by the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. The funder had no say in the story’s content.

Monrovia – Trumpeting the massive role played in the recent election of former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party, warlord-turned politician Senator Prince Y. Johnson is reportedly making excessive demands for major positions in the Boakai administration. FrontPageAfrica has learned that Sen. Johnson, one of the most-feared warlords of the civil war, has his sight set on the Liberia Maritime Authority, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, the National Security Agency, among others.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Influencer in Nimba

This is however, not a new phenomenon with Sen. Johnson. The Nimba County Senator prides himself as the kingmaker in Liberia elections. He was instrumental in helping former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf secure a second term in a run-off election after going neck and neck with George Weah in 2011. In that election, Weah opted to go as running mate to Cllr. Winston Tubman who was invited to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).  For that run-off election, the Sirleaf-Boakai ticket of the Unity Party obtained 118,396 votes (96.73%) in Nimba after Sen. Johnson’s support which catapulted her to the presidency for a second term. Tubman-Weah got 2,287 votes (3.27%) in Nimba.

In the 2017 elections, Sen. Johnson opted to support Pres. Weah in the run-off election. Weah’s main contender was former Vice President Boakai who was the sitting Vice President at the time. Johnson contested the first round in that election and and came fourth place with 127,666 votes representing 8.22% of the total votes. Over 98% of Senator Johnson’s votes in that first round were from Nimba. In the run-off, Senator Johnson pledged his support for Weah and rallied the people of Nimba to vote Weah. In the run-off election Weah obtained 73,434 votes (57.14%) after Sen Johnson’s support while Boakai got 55,083 votes (42.86%).

Paying the devil’s price

This victory he helped Weah to get in 2017 came with a heavy cost – demanding that priority be given to Nimbaians in his cabinet and that he, Sen. Johnson would make recommendations for those appointments. Sen. Johnson also accused the Weah-led government of refusing to release the county’s development fund paid by ArcelorMittal.

Weah, apparently weary of Sen. Johnson’s demands, in 2022 decided not to buy in to anymore demands from the Nimba County Senator.

During a sermon in June this year, Pres. Weah while on the pulpit at this Forky Klon Family Fellowship Church labeled Sen. Johnson as a “blackmailer”. He said, “If you do not want to work with us, get on the side, we have other people.”

“You are manipulating people every  day. Give me this and give me that. Are you infallible? We are not working with you again, you can go anywhere you want to go.”

Ultimately, letting go of Sen. Johnson cost Weah his re-election has Sen. Johnson’s support to his arch rival, Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai saw him get 74.14% of the votes in Nimba in run-off election. Boakai’s Vice President-elect, Sen. Jeremiah Koung is a member of Sen. Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR).

Sen. Johnson’s pressure on Weah was made even more evident by the United States Department of Treasury sanctions on him which sanctioned the Senator in 2021 for being involved in pay-for-play funding with government ministries and organizations for personal enrichment. As part of the scheme, upon receiving funding from the Government of Liberia (GOL), the involved government ministries and organizations launder a portion of the funding for return to the involved participants. The pay-for-play funding scheme involves millions of U.S. dollars. Johnson has also offered the sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money.

Boakai Facing His Own Hurdles

With about two months left before President-elect Boakai would fully assume his role as President of Liberia, Sen. Johnson is already hammering him with names that he wants to head some specific government ministries and agencies.

During the campaign, Sen. Johnson told the people Nimba that the Boakai is too old to lead, therefore, voting him and Sen. Koung who hails from Nimba into office would be the surest way to getting a Nimbaian to the Presidency. He noted that because of Boakai’s age, 79, Sen. Koung would be the de facto President. For pundits, this means, Sen. Johnson would be the President by extension.

During the campaign, FrontPageAfrica obtained a recording of a telephone conversation in which Senator Johnson is heard pleading with the Mayor of Karnplay in Gberlergeh District, Philip Flomo, to stop antagonizing the Unity Party’s ticket and rather join his team.

He said: “We’re fighting for Nimba County to take the lead and Nimba will win in the name of Jesus. Bassa is with us, Gbarpolu with us, Bomi with us, Lofa with us, Bong County with us; what is your problem and you’re on the radio on me? My brother, what have I done, you got to change.” Senator Johnson added, “We’re fighting for you. When y’all turn to this man [Weah] against our prayer for Nimba to produce Vice President – this old man is old, he took Koung to be his Vice President when he wins, isn’t it Koung that would be doing the job for him? Can he go everywhere? No!”

That was not the first time Sen. Johnson had been heard making remarks concerning him or Sen. Koung, now Vice President-elect becoming the de facto President.

During an elaborate political gathering in Nimba in July where Koung was officially unveiled to the people of Nimba as the running mate to Boakai, Sen. Johnson pronounced the Nimba County would produce the next President of Liberia through Jeremiah Koung.

“This is the pathway to the presidency,” the former war-lord-turned-politician, said, alluding to Koung’s selection as Boakai’s running mate.

FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the Nimba County Senator is exerting his influence over Boakai by requesting control over Liberia Maritime Authority, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, the National Security Agency, but his demands are not going down well with President-elect Boakai. FrontPageAfrica gathered that the President-elect has in his inner circle expressed his disdain at Sen. Johnson’s request but has been very careful in handling the issue, opting to table discussions on appointments for now.

What’s the Boakai-Johnson Agreement?

In a live broadcast on Facebook on Tuesday evening, outgoing Montserrado County District 8 lawmaker, Acarous Moses Gray opined that the intent of the U.S. sanctions on Sen. Johnson was intended to reduce his political influence in Liberia – a factor which Pres. Weah took into consideration before breaking ties with the godfather of the vote-rich county.

According to Gray, Sen. Johnson would face the law for war and economic crimes, but he is, however, try to shield himself under the Boakai-led government.

“I shouldn’t be saying this but I’ll say this: Prince Johnson would face the law, the international partners are very clear – the sanctions they placed on Prince Johnson, they wanted to reduce his influence in political decision-making process of this country. The next step is to demand for Boakai to turn Prince Johnson over,” he said.

Rep. Gray also allegedly that President-elect Boakai during the negotiation for Sen. Johnson’s support made commitment to Senators Johnson and Koung that they would get not less than 30% of the government for their support.

He also disclosed that Sen. Nyonblee and other collaborators are to benefit 25 percent of the government.

The Unity Party Secretary General, Amos Tweh did not respond to FrontPageAfrica’s request for comments and clarifications.

MONROVIA – As the upcoming elections draw nearer, tension is mounting within the country, exacerbated by heightened concerns and vocal claims from various political figures, most notably the opposition Unity Party who continue to hint stiff reaction to their anticipated manipulation of the elections.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

It started with the biggest ally of the opposition Unity Party candidate, Sen. Prince Johnson of vote-rich Nimba County, who threatened a people’s revolt, likening it to the Arab Spring, should the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) attempt to manipulate the election results.

Sen. Johnson has not provided reasons for his suspicion of vote-rigging. He merely alludes to members of the CDC making statements like, “They’ll take it.”

Sen. Johnson’s confidence in the Unity Party’s victory in the election partially stems from a huge relentless turnout of supporters for its campaign launch on September 17, despite the heavy divulge that left parts of Monrovia flooded that day.

Sen. Johnson is a former warlord turned politician and a pastor.

In a sharp reaction, the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia issued a statement reminding all political leaders and actors of the Farmington River Declaration which they signed and committed to a peaceful process. The Regional body admonished political actors to refrain from making inflammatory comments that could incite followers and derail the electoral process.

However, over the weekend, the standard bearer of the Unity Party, Joseph Boakai, warned it would be the end of Liberia if the ruling CDC steals the election.

“…that’s why you need to protect it. If they think they’ll steal this election, you will not allow it because if they do it, that’s the end of this country,” said the 78-year-old former Vice President on his campaign trail.

There have been several social media reactions since these comments. Pictures of Pastor Joshua Milton Blayhi, a former fierce rebel general commonly known as ‘General Butt Naked’ wearing a robe with the inscription ‘Rescue Soldier’ on the back while on the breast of the robe the inscription “Don’t Try It”.

General Butt Naked’s photo on social media has drawn a lot of public concern, particularly due to his dark past – the heinous crimes he committed during the war. He is on record for confessing to eating human organs during the civil war.

During the civil conflict, Blahyi assumed leadership of a unit comprised mainly of child soldiers, referred to as the Naked Base Commandos. Their operations primarily centered around the Monrovia area. Remarkably, this unit, which included Blahyi himself, often disregarded conventional clothing, wearing only shoes and amulets. This peculiar choice earned Blahyi the alias ‘General Butt Naked.’ Blahyi asserted that this practice bestowed upon him and his soldiers a supposed immunity to bullets. Throughout the conflict, Blahyi’s forces committed numerous heinous acts, including cannibalism and human sacrifice.

In later accounts, Blahyi alleged that he had received a vision from a malevolent entity during the conflict. In this vision, the malevolent entity conveyed to him that he would become “a formidable warrior” and advised him to engage in human sacrifice and cannibalism to augment his power. Reflecting on the horrifying actions he and his soldiers perpetrated against innocent civilians during the conflict, Blahyi admitted in an interview, “At times, I would lurk beneath the water where children were playing, diving below to seize one, carrying them underwater and ending their lives. Sometimes, I engineered accidents, while other times, I simply took their lives.”

Additionally, Blahyi administered psychoactive drugs to his soldiers in an effort to heighten their alertness and compliance with his commands. In a chilling recollection, he recounted that whenever the Naked Base Commandos captured a town, “I was compelled to perform a human sacrifice. They would present me with a living child, whom I would slaughter, extracting their heart to consume.”

Upping the Ante

A female political activist who preferred anonymity for security reasons told FrontPageAfrica, “We all want a peaceful and credible election, but when people like Prince Johnson, Butt Naked start issuing threats, then there is a cause for concern. These people have a history in this country. There are people who are still living with the trauma from the atrocities these people committed. Their victims are still alive and the Unity Party needs to put this under control.”

FrontPageAfrica has also seen other posts from supporters of the Unity Party have also been upping the ante on social media. Anthony V. Kesselly posted to Facebook: “If you think the patriotic warnings from JNB or PYJ are mere bluff, smoke your kush and try anything funny. We will see who born dog”.

Mike B. Jabateh who affiliates with the Unity Party also wrote on Facebook, “It’s time to wake up. We will not allow President Weah ex-girlfriend to rig the October 10 election. Wear your military and political jacket.”

Mr. Philipbert Brown, Publisher of the Hot Pepper Newspaper wrote on Facebook, “We live to bear witness how ECOWAS and the West twice over-turned the presidential elections in favor of the Unity Party EJS & JNB. Did George Weah start a civil war?

Cyril Allen Cautions PYJ

At the same time, in a recorded message, Chief Cyril Allen of the ruling CDC called on Senator Johnson to refrain from making intimidating statements and beating war drums. He cautioned the Nimba County Senator not to plot to destroy the peace the country is currently enjoying for his personal “desire and ego”.

“I’m certain that the people of Nimba do not make such callous and reckless statements that are made by him,” Allen said.

He added, “We want to make it clear to Senator Prince Johnson that he’s no lord and master in this country. No one is intimidated by his sentimental and threatening statements. He cannot threaten a legitimate national government.”

Not Guns and War, But People’s Power

Speaking to Voice of America, Senator Johnson clarified that he was not alluding to an armed rebellion but rather emphasizing the exercise of people’s power. He stated, “I mentioned that any attempt to rig the elections would encounter resistance from the people of Liberia. The Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Article One, states that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are instituted by their authority for their benefit and happiness. If their benefits are in jeopardy, their future is at risk, and the government becomes oppressive and dictatorial, leading to issues such as massive corruption, extrajudicial killings, drug trafficking, and the use of Liberia as a drug trafficking hub, then the people have the right to hold those responsible accountable when elections are rigged. The people’s power can be harnessed in such situations. I did not mention firearms, nor did I advocate for war.”

Senator Johnson accused the CDC of violating the Farmington Declaration and claimed that his statement was a warning aimed at the CDC, which he alleged has vowed to secure victory in the presidential election at any cost, including rigging it.

“They have always said, and it’s an open secret in Liberia. The CDCians have said the UP (Unity Party) spent 12 years in government, they did nothing for the country. They have only spent six years and they have done so much. And so, whether the UP wins or not, they will take it by force. They are planning to rig. So, I don’t know how they will do it. [Whether] they are using their influence and cash violence on the Election Commission. I don’t know but they have openly said they will rig.”

‘No Return to Rebel Checkpoint’ – Pres. Weah

Meanwhile, Pres. Weah has reacted to allegations of potential vote-rigging in the forthcoming election. During a thanksgiving service held for him upon his return from the UN General Assembly, Pres. Weah said, he is willing to step aside should he lose the election.

However, he warned that the country would not return to days where rebel checkpoints were erected, while at the same time cautioning his political counterparts to desist from threatening war.

President Weah emphasized his government’s commitment to democratic principles, assuring Liberians that the nation was on the path to prosperity despite past challenges.

President Weah stated, “To all distinguished citizens, those who can hear my voice, I want to acknowledge the glory of God and assure you that in our country, there will be no return to a rebel checkpoint.”

“We are moving forward towards prosperity, acknowledging Liberia’s past difficulties while remaining steadfast in our belief in democratic values. Our nation will continue to thrive in peace,” President Weah added.

He urged Liberians to actively work for peace, emphasizing its crucial role in national development. He also encouraged the public to ignore provocative statements from certain individuals, emphasizing that Liberians were committed to working in a peaceful environment and avoiding a return to civil conflict.

MONROVIA – The Joint Security has expressed with deep consternation and utmost concern a statement attributed to Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson, threatening armed rebellion should the elections be rigged. 

By Selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

This week, it can be recalled, Senator Johnson, a prominent ally of former Vice President Joseph Boakai from the Unity Party, raised concerns about potential election interference by the ruling establishment and has threatened to fight back with arms in the cause of the people.

In a press conference held on Monday, the Nimba County Senator, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury for ‘Pay for Play’ and corruption, says the impressive turnout exhibited during the launch of the Unity Party campaign is an indication of the people’s resolve to remove President George Weah from power.

“Before the October elections, Liberians are coming out under the banner ‘Don’t Try It’ – any attempt, the people’s power would be exercised like the Arab Spring. You’ll shoot your gun; you’ll kill us or you’ll die. No more fear, Liberians don’t have fear anymore,” Sen. Johnson said.

The Joint Security, meanwhile, said that Liberia is a country of law, and as such, aggrieved parties must continue to seek legal remedies, to issues instead of resorting to violence. The concept of a single individual anointing himself as judge, jury, and executioner must be discouraged, said the Joint Security.

“Senator Johnson must be reminded that Liberians have had enough of suffering during our most recent civil unrest and are no more interested in returning this country to its ugly past.”

“Hence, well-meaning Liberians including political actors, civil society groups, and religious institutions are urged to continue promoting peace and stability in Liberia and desist from engaging in actions that undermine the peace and stability of the state.”

Johnson’s history with Liberia’s civil war

During the civil war, Johnson was notorious for killing anyone who opposed or criticized his actions. When Hare Krishna devotees, who were distributing food to starving people in Monrovia in the midst of the chaos of the civil war, sent him a letter begging him to stop killing people, he personally orchestrated the murder of Hladini devi dasi—born Linda Jury—and five of her students on the bank of the Saint Paul River on the night of Thursday, 13 September 1990.

On September 9, 1990, Johnson’s supporters abducted President Samuel Doe from ECOMOG headquarters in the Monrovia port district. Doe was tortured and executed in Johnson’s custody on 9 September, with the spectacle videotaped and broadcast around the world. The video showed Johnson sipping a Budweiser beer and being fanned by an assistant as his men cut off Doe’s ear.

Johnson later denied killing Doe. Ahmadou Kourouma (who depicted Doe’s assassination in his novel Allah Is Not Obliged) also accused Johnson of war crimes in the form of the abduction and torture of several Firestone executives.

After Doe’s death, Johnson briefly claimed the presidency of Liberia. Johnson’s claim to power ended following the consolidation of rebel power under Charles Taylor. In an attempt by the weak national government to reconstruct Liberian politics, the INPFL was recognized at a conference held in Guinea, where Amos Sawyer was elected president.

Dissecting PYJ’s association with Boakai and his ‘’armed revolution’’ statement

Senator Johnson’s statement of an “armed revolution” during post-election if the elections are ‘’rigged” has been condemned in many quarters, with Liberians describing the statement as a ‘’sad period’’ for the country ahead of next month’s elections. Ayo Bestman wrote: “It’s only in Liberia for that matter you see a character like Senator Johnson will be voted into public office. The country is doomed and will go nowhere once people who murdered thousand of Liberians during the civil war are allowed to remain in power and continue to play a key role in the body politics of the country, while people who suffered the worst are subjected to poverty. Liberia and Liberians will forever regret if they vote Unity Party and Jeremiah Koung, the political son to Senator Johnson.”

Many Liberians believed anything that has the inclination to threaten the national security environment in Liberia should therefore be vehemently rejected and eliminated.  

John O. Flomo, a resident of Bong County says, “PYJ and others like him, remain a threat to the national security of Liberia, unabated, since December 24, 1990. The rushed-into an unholy alignment of forces for the Liberia’s presidency by Boakai and PYJ, contains viruses of both potential and actual national security threats capable of reviving tribal and ethnic political feuds; undermining national reconciliation, healing,” he said.

Flomo said such threats do have the potential to jeopardize the peace, tranquility, and stability of the Liberian state – a reecho of similar manifestations of the 14 years of armed conflicts in the ECOWAS Sub-region.

“As national security threats are not imagined, the empirical determinants of threats the UNITY PARTY-JNB- PYJ- KOUNG-Presidential Ticket pose to Liberia’s national security lie in the fact that the rebel general Prince Y. Johnson, chief architect of the current unholy alliance, is a clod blooded murderer; a wicked man, ungodly, demonically possessed and mentally unstable; he is a trouble-maker, a driver of conflicts, a spoiler, and a political destabilizer.”

“By those gruesome acts committed, such characters as Prince Johnson and others should not be seen near state authority in post conflict Liberia.  Instead, General Johnson unremorsefully boasts of his war crimes and uses same to cajole the people of Nimba into believing he is their “messiah”.