He died on Thursday, November 28, at the age of 72.
Until his death, Johnson served as a Senator and was a prominent figure in Liberia’s political landscape. He founded and led the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) rebel group during the First Liberian Civil War, which lasted from 1989 to 1997.
In addition to his role in the civil war, Johnson was the leader of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction party, through which he sought elected office multiple times over the past three decades since Liberia’s return to democracy. He ran for the presidency twice and has been serving as the Senator for Nimba County since 2006.
While his supporters mourn his passing, critics express regret that he evaded justice for the atrocities attributed to his rebel group, particularly the killing of Samuel Doe. Johnson’s legacy remains a contentious topic in Liberia, reflecting the complex history of the nation’s civil conflicts.
ABJ/APA