The Liberian Senate says it acknowledges the U.S. Embassy’s concerns on the election of the Senator Prince Y. Johnson as the Chairman of the Senate top Committee.
Johnson was recently elected chairman on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs but says it would engage the Embassy for further clarity on their concerns so as to find amicable solution.
In a statement released over the weekend, the Senate also recognized the concern over maintaining and Senator Varney Sherman of Grand Cape Mount County who has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for alleged bribery and corruption as chair of the committee on Judiciary, Claims and petition.
“The Liberian Senate wishes to assure the U.S. Embassy, other bilateral partners, multilateral partners, other members of the International community, local and international organizations and institutions and the Citizens that in no way support the commission of war crimes, human rights abuse, bribery, corruption, other domestic and international crimes and impunity,” the Senate stated.
It noted that the prolonged and historic relationship between Liberia and the United States, it would without delay seek the opportunity, through its Embassy accredited near Monrovia to seek clarity on its concerns expressed in the press statement, provide the necessary information on the matter and find a way to address these concerns.”
The Senate also expressed appreciation to the United States of America for the numerous contributions to Liberia’s developmental endeavor, the sustenance of peace and nurturing the tenets of democracy in the country.
The issue
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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