Liberian Activist Morris Gardner Narrates Chilling Ordeal: Fears for Life Amidst Continued Threats from Warlord-Turned-Senator
By Julius T. Jaesen, II
Monrovia, Liberia — September 10, 2019 — Morris Gardner, a vocal advocate for the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia, has recounted his harrowing experiences of threats and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by former warlord and current Nimba County Senator, Prince Yormie Johnson. In an exclusive interview with Democracy Watch Newspaper, Gardner revealed the extent of the danger he faces daily, asserting that his life is at grave risk due to his outspoken stance against those responsible for war crimes during Liberia’s brutal civil war.
“In 1990, I witnessed the murder of four men by Prince Yormie Johnson, one of the most brutal warlords of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Prince Johnson was a vicious political leader who now heads one of the largest political parties in Liberia and still commands the loyalty of thousands of former combatants notorious for their war atrocities. Today, he holds significant power as the senior Senator of Nimba County,” Gardner narrated.
Gardner’s advocacy for justice has not come without consequence. His relentless push for the establishment of a war crimes court to hold perpetrators like Johnson accountable has made him a target of the current government and its officials. “Because of my advocacy, I have recently been targeted by the government and its agents,” he said.
Recalling a particularly chilling moment, Gardner described an encounter in December 2010, when he received a threatening phone call from Senator Johnson himself. “He told me he heard from a reliable source that I testified against him at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and warned me that anyone who tries to blackmail him will face his wrath. He concluded by telling me to watch my movements if I thought I could survive what awaited me,” Gardner recalled, his voice trembling with the memory.
Following this call, Gardner said he was gripped with fear and sought advice from his parents and religious authorities. “I became so frightened that I decided to leave the city and hide in an unknown location in western Liberia,” he said.
Gardner’s fears are not unfounded. He detailed how the deadly hands of Senator Johnson, who still controls up to 20-35 thousand ex-rebels and generals, continue to pose a threat to his life. “These ex-combatants carry out extrajudicial killings, making my life unsafe due to my advocacy for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia,” Gardner stated.
The activist expressed his frustration with the government’s inability to protect him and other citizens from these dangerous warlords. “The government itself is making international appeals for support in the security sector. The lack of funding to provide security and safety for its citizens places my life in danger at the hands of Senator Prince Y. Johnson and his absurdist ex-generals,” Gardner lamented.
Adding to the gravity of his situation, Gardner revealed that in the past six months, there have been 35 unsolved extrajudicial killings that appear to be sanctioned by government authorities, including the National Security Agency and the Executive Protection Service. “This makes me harbor fear for my life,” he said.
Gardner’s ordeal has escalated to the point where he is now in hiding, fearing that Senator Johnson’s loyal ex-fighters are hunting him. “Prince Y. Johnson promised me on the telephone that he would kill me just as he killed Liberia’s former president, Samuel K. Doe, in 1990,” Gardner disclosed.
The activist also shared a tragic personal loss, accusing the government of being behind the death of his uncle, Mr. Adolph A. Lawrence, a former member of parliament. “I lost my uncle because of his political differences with the government. Some of my family members are now in hiding for fear of their lives, while others were lucky to escape Liberia,” Gardner said, his voice heavy with grief.
Gardner’s fears were further compounded by a recent attempt on his life in August 2019. “I survived an attempt to kidnap me around my home in Congo Town at about 1 am. I was returning home from a meeting when two cars encircled me on a slim one-way road. I managed to escape and drove to a police station, where I spent the night because the police told me it was not safe to go home,” Gardner recounted.
In September 2019, the threats intensified. Gardner began receiving threatening messages on his Facebook messenger from unknown individuals. On September 5, 2019, tragedy struck when his father was shot to death by unknown men at his home. “Before this incident, my father had told me that some men had come to his house, asking about me and my activities,” Gardner revealed, his voice breaking as he recounted the loss.
As Gardner continues to live in fear for his life, he issued a desperate plea to the international community. “If the international community does not come to my aid or rescue, I fear that I will be killed by Prince Y. Johnson and his men,” he warned.
Gardner’s story is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Liberia faces in achieving true justice and reconciliation. Despite the establishment of the TRC and other reconciliation mechanisms, the specter of past atrocities continues to haunt the nation, with figures like Senator Prince Y. Johnson still wielding significant power and influence.
I love how you addressed this issue. Very insightful!