In his resignation letter, Johnson cited “the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of service men”.

The protest by soldiers’ wives, who set up roadblocks near the capital Monrovia and elsewhere in the country, saw them air multiple grievances ranging from low salaries and pensions, to a lack of social security, electricity shortages and corruption within the armed forces.

They also demanded the defence minister’s resignation, blaming him for a reduction in the salaries of Liberian soldiers returning from peace missions in Mali. 

The country’s presidency in a statement, swiftly announced a provisional replacement, naming General Geraldine Janet George to the key post.