By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Grand Gedeh County Senator and former warlord Thomas Yaya Nimely delivered a controversial tribute at the burial ceremony of the late Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson, blaming the “Rescue Government” for his death and recounting Johnson’s efforts to evade prosecution for alleged war crimes.
In his remarks, Nimely depicted Johnson as a political strategist who repeatedly supported presidential candidates in exchange for protection from the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia. “Prince Johnson wanted to buy time to pray and to serve his people,” Nimely stated, recounting how Johnson brokered deals with successive presidents to secure immunity.
According to Nimely, Johnson first supported President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during her campaign by mobilizing Nimba voters in her favor. “He went from village to village to campaign for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to be president because he wanted time,” Nimely said, emphasizing that Johnson’s endorsement helped Sirleaf govern for 12 years without introducing a war crimes court.
When George Weah became president, Johnson again lent his political influence, believing he could secure further protection. Nimely said, “He went to President Weah and said, ‘I’ll make you president. I want to buy time to serve my people.’” Johnson reportedly campaigned tirelessly, ensuring Weah’s victory, only to find himself disillusioned later in Weah’s tenure.
The late senator’s support for the opposition Rescue Mission in the 2023 elections marked a turning point, according to Nimely. Johnson had hoped the new government would provide him the same protection he had enjoyed previously. However, Nimely claimed the promises made to Johnson were broken. “When the time came, the time that was promised was never given,” Nimely lamented, adding that this betrayal deeply troubled Johnson in his final days.
In his tribute, Nimely also spoke of his personal bond with Johnson, revealing late-night conversations in which the Nimba senator expressed fears about being prosecuted. “He called me in the night and said, ‘Distinguished, I was promised time. I was not given time. And now, they’re talking about war crimes court.’ I told him, ‘When they touch you, they will touch me. Nobody will prosecute you.’”
Nimely defended Johnson’s legacy, arguing that Liberia’s past made prosecution impractical. “Every hand in this country has a blood stain, and you will not be singled out,” he said, referencing the thousands of former combatants integrated into Liberian society.
The tribute also highlighted a resolution from the Liberian legislature supporting the establishment of a war crimes court. According to Nimely, Johnson was absent when the Senate signed the resolution, which intensified his fears of prosecution.
Nimely’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing him of glorifying impunity while others view his statements as a sobering reminder of Liberia’s complicated post-war legacy.
As Liberia continues to grapple with calls for accountability for war crimes, the death of Prince Y. Johnson has reignited questions about justice, reconciliation, and the lingering influence of former warlords in Liberian politics.
