Liberia: STAND Demands Swift Action on War Crimes Court in Wake of Senator Johnson's Death   - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia –The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has extended its sympathies to the wife, children, family, and the people of Nimba County, following the death of Senator Prince Johnson, who died Thursday in Monrovia.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

FrontPageAfrica gathered the warlord turned politician had returned from Nimba County Wednesday, after honoring the legacy of the late Gnassingbe Eyadema, former President of Togo, by naming his PYJ university’s auditorium after him during a ceremony on November 25. 

Senator Johnson leaves behind a legacy that divides opinion. To many in Nimba County, he was a revered hero, while others view him as a controversial or polarizing figure. This contrast underscores the complexities of his role in Liberia’s history, according to STAND.

As staunch advocate for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, STAND said it recognizes the significance of this moment. “While we join in mourning his loss, we remain resolute in our call for justice. We had hoped that Senator Johnson and all alleged war actors would have the opportunity to respond to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Liberia’s civil conflict,” STAND said in a release Thursday. 

STAND added that though the senator’s passing has seemingly made this impossible, it nonetheless urges President Joseph Boakai’s administration, in collaboration with justice-focused partners, to prioritize the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. The pursuit of justice and accountability cannot be delayed.  

“While we join in mourning his loss, we remain resolute in our call for justice. We had hoped that Senator Johnson and all alleged war actors would have the opportunity to respond to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Liberia’s civil conflict,” STAND said in a release Thursday.

According to STAND, this initiative is crucial to ensuring that those allegedly responsible — many of whom remain active and influential — for the heinous atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflict are held accountable. “The need for justice is urgent. Addressing the actions of the late Senator Johnson, along with others who continue to live without accountability, is essential for a nation still striving to heal from its painful past.”

“By holding accountable those responsible for the suffering of countless Liberians and the loss of an estimated 250,000 lives, we create a pathway for healing and closure for affected families. Furthermore, we affirm Liberia’s commitment to justice and send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated.”

In this poignant moment, STAND has called on all stakeholders to unify their efforts toward the establishment of a court that will bring justice to perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses. 

“Only through such measures can Liberia reconcile its past and build a more just and equitable future for all its citizens,” STAND added.

STAND