By Calvin Quays| LPR News, Monrovia
The United Methodist Human Rights Monitor(UMHRM) has supported the United States Embassy statement issued against Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
According to the Program Director of UMHRM Jefferson Knight, those who committed atrocity and crime against humanity should not be allowed to hold public offices in Liberia.
Director Knight made the assertion Thursday in Monrovia.
According to him, it is about that all former war lords occupying public offices should be made to resign and face justice for their actions during the civil war in Liberia.
He noted that Liberians elected former war lords shown no regard to the international community which do everything possible to ensure that peace be restored in the country.
Director Knight stressed that the statement of the American Embassy is a step in the direction to restore the dignity of Liberia.
He indicated that war lords who are serving key positions at the National Legislature is disrespect to humanity.
He lamented that the Liberian Government should begin to put measures in place to prevent former war lords and generals from contesting for public offices.
Director Knight emphasized that their presence at key positions in government undermine the fight against corruption and impunity within the Liberian society.
What did the U.S. Embassy say?
On Wednesday May 19, 2021, U.S. Embassy Near Monrovia strongly condemned the election yesterday of notorious warlord Prince Y. Johnson as Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence.
A statement from the embassy added that Senator Johnson’s gross human rights violations during Liberia’s civil wars are well documented; his continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known.
It further stated that the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate him to a leadership role – particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm — creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberia’s defense and security.
The U.S. government says it is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia, which will continue — but we can have no relationship with Senator Johnson.
By giving Senators Johnson and Sherman these leadership roles, the Senate is effectively ensuring that corruption and lack of accountability flourish.
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