MONROVIA, Liberia – Major General Charles Johnson has been appointed as the Director of the National Security Agency by Liberian President Joseph Boakai. However, the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Johnson’s appointment comes months after he resigned as Minister of National Defence. Prior to that, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia for six years, demonstrating his extensive experience in the country’s defence sector.
Johnson has a strong academic background, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at the United Methodist University in 2004. He furthered his education with a postgraduate certificate from the University of Sierra Leone in public sector management in 2010, and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2012. He has also completed officer courses in Sierra Leone, China, and Nigeria, showcasing his global perspective on security matters.
In 2014, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf promoted Johnson to Brigade Commander of the 23rd Infantry Brigade. He became the first Liberian to hold the post of Brigade Commander in the Armed Forces of Liberia following the end of the Liberian Civil War. This promotion marked a significant milestone in his military career and in the history of the country’s armed forces.
The appointment of Major General Charles Johnson as the Director of the National Security Agency signals a new chapter in Liberia’s security sector. His vast experience and leadership skills will be crucial in his new role, as he navigates the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading the country’s top security agency.
