President Joseph Boakai has appointed three retired army generals to lead strategic security agencies in an apparent move to strengthen the country’s security framework.
The most notable appointment is that of former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General (Retired) Prince C. Johnson, III, who has been named the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). This decision comes after Johnson was at the center of a military mutiny in February.
J. Henric Pearson, who had served as the NSA Director during the Weah administration from 2018 to 2024, has been removed from his position and reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Director General for Passports and Visas, with the rank of Ambassador.
Furthermore, Major General (Retired) Daniel D. Ziankahn, a former Weah-era Defense Minister, has been appointed as the Military Adviser in the Office of the President.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate, as required by the constitution.
In addition to the NSA leadership change, President Boakai has also named Brigadier General (Retired) Geraldine Janet George as the new Minister of National Defense.
In a statement, the President called on all the nominated and appointed individuals to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in their service to the country.
This reshuffling of the security apparatus is seen as a strategic move by the Boakai administration to strengthen the country’s security and intelligence capabilities, as Liberia continues to navigate the challenges of the post-conflict era.
The Senate is expected to convene in the coming weeks to review and confirm the presidential nominations, paving the way for the implementation of the new security structure.
