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Former rebel general and current senator of Nimba County, Prince Y. Johnson, has joined fellow senators in signing a resolution to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), aiming to bring justice to war victims and hold accountable those who plundered state resources.
Senator Johnson, once the rebel leader of the defunct Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), which toppled former President Samuel K. Doe and subsequently assassinated him during the 1990 war, has now taken a step towards addressing the atrocities of the past.
In a historic moment during the Senate session on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Senator Johnson and his colleagues gathered at the House of the Liberian Legislature on Capitol Hill in Monrovia to put pen to paper on the WECC resolution, marking a significant move towards reconciliation and accountability.
Joining Senator Johnson in this pivotal decision is Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh, another former warlord, underscoring a collective acknowledgment of the need to confront the past and pave the way for a more just future.
The signing of the resolution by these two former warlords, now senators representing their respective counties, signals a willingness among former perpetrators to reckon with their actions during the brutal 14-year civil war that ravaged Liberia.
By endorsing the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, Senator Johnson and his counterparts are acknowledging the suffering of war victims and the importance of accountability in healing the wounds of the past.
This bold move by the senators reflects a growing consensus within Liberia’s political establishment to address the legacy of violence and impunity that has long haunted the nation.
As Liberia continues its journey towards peace and stability, the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court represents a crucial step towards building a society founded on the principles of justice and reconciliation.
With the support of key figures like Senator Johnson and Senator Nimely, there is renewed hope for a future where the rule of law prevails, and those responsible for war crimes are held accountable for their actions.