Prince Johnson: Liberia's Former Warlord Forced into Exile in Nigeria Dies at 72
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events
Liberia - Former Liberian warlord, Senator Prince Johnson, died on Thursday, November 28 at the age of 72.
Siaffa Jallah, deputy director of press at the Senate, and officials from his party confirmed Johnson’s death.
Source: Twitter
Jallah said Johnson was the longest-serving senator in the country. He served as a senator for Nimba County in the northern region since 2006
A senior official in Prince Johnson's Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction Party said Johnson passed on in a hospital., Barron’s quoted AFP
"Yes, we lost him this morning. He passed away at Hope for Women (health centre)”
Jonhson, who was forced into exile in Nigeria later became a preacher in an evangelical church where he enjoyed wide popularity.
He was also a leading opponent of the creation of a tribunal that would try civil war-related crimes.
According to Liberal Observer, reports said Johnson collapsed in his bathroom during a shower and went into a coma. He was later confirmed dead upon arrival at a local health facility.
It was gathered that dozens of supporters gathered outside his home upon learning of his death.
Johnson was a key militia leader during the civil war, initially allying with Charles Taylor, who later became president of Liberia and was convicted of crimes against humanity.
As reported by France 24, he eventually broke with Taylor and was forced into exile in Nigeria, where he remained for 12 years and returned to Liberia in 2004 with a message of peace and reconciliation
Liberian presidential election: George Weah loses re-election
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that George Weah lost his re-election bid to his opposition, former Vice President Joseph Boakai in the Liberia presidential election.
Boakai secured a slender victory after defeating the incumbent by securing 50.9% to 49.1% secured by Weah.
It was gathered that President Weah conceded defeat by calling Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.
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Source: Legit.ng
