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Warlord Prince Johnson, Infamous for Atrocities, Passes Away at 72

Former rebel leader dies amidst his controversial legacy in Liberia’s civil wars.

By Trip GabrielSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Warlord Prince Johnson, Infamous for Atrocities, Passes Away at 72
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Prince Johnson, notorious for his role in the brutal civil wars of Liberia, died on November 28 at the age of 72. Although his legacy is marred by accusations of horrendous crimes, he remained a significant political figure up until his death.

In a hospital in Monrovia, Johnson's passing was confirmed by the Liberian Senate, where he served as a senator. Despite a report urging his prosecution for war crimes, he was never held accountable and even held office after the conflicts, which resulted in around 250,000 deaths. His name was prominently featured on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s list of offenders, accumulating accusations of murder, extortion, and other crimes that shocked the international community. In a recent effort towards justice, Liberia's current president has established a war crimes court, though many remain skeptical about its impact given the longstanding culture of impunity.

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