Prince Johnson, the former Liberian warlord responsible for the brutal execution of former president Samuel Doe during the country’s civil wars, has passed away at 72. Johnson, who later became a senator and political power broker, died earlier today, confirmed family spokesperson Wilfred Bangura and relative Moses Ziah. Johnson had been battling high blood pressure.
During Liberia’s devastating civil wars from 1989 to 2003, which resulted in over 200,000 deaths and the displacement of over a million people, Johnson played a notorious role. He gained infamy after his forces captured and tortured President Samuel Doe, later executing him in 1990. A widely circulated video showed Johnson celebrating as his men mutilated Doe, including cutting off his ear, before killing him. Johnson later expressed regret for the execution and sought reconciliation with Doe’s family.
Despite being named by Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission for war crimes, including rape and murder committed by his group, Johnson never faced legal prosecution.
After the war, Johnson transitioned into politics, winning a seat in the Senate in 2006, representing his stronghold in Nimba County. He became a key political figure, endorsing candidates in several elections, including supporting Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in 2011, George Weah in 2017, and switching his backing to Joseph Boakai in the 2023 election.