Liberian President Gives Nigerian-Trained General A Top Appointment

Liberian President Joseph Boakai announced on Monday the appointment of Major General Charles Johnson (retd.) as the Director of the National Security Agency, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.

This appointment follows his resignation as Minister of National Defence several months ago.

With a distinguished military career, Johnson previously served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia for six years. Hailing from Monrovia, he pursued military training at the Nigeria Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State, further enhancing his expertise. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing his officer candidate School in 2007, Johnson served in various capacities within the AFL, including as Military Assistant to former Minister of National Defence, Brownie J. Samukai Jr. Notably, in 2014, Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf appointed Johnson as the Brigade Commander of the 23rd Infantry Brigade, marking a significant milestone in AFL’s post-war history.

In addition to his military service, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the United Methodist University, obtained in 2004.