Washington, D.C. (The Saharaa) – In a recent development, Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson has publicly disclosed a strained relationship with President Joseph Boakai amidst discussions regarding the establishment of the War and Economy Crimes Court in Liberia. During a live interview on Truth FM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Senator Johnson revealed that there has been a notable lack of communication between himself and the Liberian leader since President Boakai’s meeting with Allan White, an advocate for the war crime court.
“Mr. Boakai has even refused to pick up my phone because of his connection with the Allan White group, as he feels that I am a war criminal. But we are watching. They want to do something clandestine against us, and we are not going to accept that,” Senator Johnson expressed during the interview.
Furthermore, Senator Johnson emphasized the significance of the amnesty law, which was signed in Accra, Ghana, and subsequently ratified by the Liberian Legislature, granting immunity to warlords from prosecution. He warned against any attempts to tamper with this law, stating, “If the time has come for President Joseph Boakai and his team to remove or tamper with the amnesty law, then he is tampering with the people’s future.”
When questioned about his concerns regarding the establishment of the war crimes court, Senator Johnson expressed worry rather than fear, citing potential disruptions to the peace that Liberia has enjoyed for over two decades. He also contested the validity of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, labeling it as “bogus.”
Despite being frequently associated with discussions surrounding the war crimes court, Senator Johnson highlighted the existence of other ex-fighters who are currently holding consultative meetings to oppose such calls. He stressed that these individuals, including generals, majors, and officers, are still active and will not hesitate to defend themselves against any perceived threats to their security or interests.
In a passionate plea, Senator Johnson affirmed his support for the Boakai regime, even in the face of disagreements over the establishment of the war crimes court. However, he warned against the potential consequences of pursuing such a course of action, predicting “total chaos” if the court were to be implemented.
The escalating tension between Senator Prince Johnson and President Boakai underscores the deep-seated divisions within Liberian society regarding accountability for past atrocities and the pursuit of justice. As discussions continue, the fate of the war and economy crimes court remains uncertain, with both sides vehemently advocating for their respective positions.
