Brigadier John S. Tarnue is a former Liberian military officer. Tarnue was the Commanding General of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) from 1999 to 2003 (Second Liberian Civil War). Tarnue lost his position in 2003 when Charles Taylor resigned from power.
Travel ban by the United Nations
Tarnue's name was among 130 Liberian officials banned from travel in June 2001 by the United Nations Security Council during the Second Liberian Civil War.
Honoring
Tarnue was among several former AFL officers honored on 25 July 2006 by the government of Liberia for honorable service.
Land invasion allegation
Reverend Tijli Tarty Tyee alleged during testimony in front of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia that Tarnue and the soldiers under his command invaded Tyee's land in 1999 while also severely beating Rev. Tyee. Tarnue's family alleged control of the land, citing a sale by Gabriel Duncan.
Special Court for Sierra Leone
Tarnue testified against the Revolutionary United Front in front of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Tarnue was portrayed as the "right-hand man" of former President Taylor. After testifying, Tarnue was relocated with his family to an undisclosed country.
See also
- Lahai Gbabye Lansanah, former adjutant to Tarnue and current Senior Senator from Bomi County
References
- World: Africa: Liberia names new army chief BBC News, 19 November 1999
- UN Slams Door On 130 Liberian Officials The Perspective, 7 June 2001
- Gov't to honor several retired AFL generals as part of July 26 activities EmbassyofLiberia.org, 19 July 2006
- UN, Lutheran Massacres Victim Testifies Archived 2009-04-29 at the Wayback Machine TRCofLIberia.org, 28 January 2008
- Witnesses ‘bribed’ in war crimes trials The National, 3 June 2008