Liberian authorities suspecting sabotage amidst national protest, have promised cash reward to anyone who could unravel those behind the fire that engulfed and destroyed the entire joint chambers of the legislature, Capitol Building built in 1956.
The fire completely destroyed the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber, which is used by the Legislators.
At least some top officials, including Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, have been questioned.
The offer of a $5,000 (£3,900) reward for more information about the fire, had become imperative as the nation’s National Fire Service and the Ministry of Justice had no clue to the inferno at the Capitol Building consumed the Senate and House of Representatives.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai condemned the incident which he described a threat to democracy and assured the nation that those responsible would be sanctioned.
Suspicion of sabotage heightened as the fire incident was in the second day of a peaceful protest staged at the Capitol Building by a group of Liberians under the banner March to the Capitol on December 17, 2024.
Protesters called the attention of government and international partners to ensure that the rule of law was upheld and the constitution respected in the ongoing leadership crisis at the House of Representatives.
The protest turned violent when police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters causing some injuries and the arrest of many, including Sekou Kalasco Demaro, an aide of former President George Weah who are still in detention.
The removal of the opposition-led House Speaker, Konati Koffa, who faced corruption allegations had caused months of political impasse that led to the protest.
There had been intensified tussle in Liberia’s House of Representatives. A faction calling itself the “Majority Bloc” has been attempting to unseat Speaker Koffa, claiming to have installed a new speaker in defiance of constitutional procedures.
The factionalism has led to heated confrontations, with Koffa’s supporters accusing the Majority Bloc of undermining democratic norms. Critics, however, argue that Koffa’s leadership style has contributed to the Legislature’s dysfunction.
Pundits suggest that the Capitol fire may be a symptom of deeper political divisions, with both sides using increasingly aggressive tactics to assert their dominance.
The protest which extended to second day of the fire, was in response to political impasse in the West African country that had been deeply divided and with the challenges of its fragile democracy.
The Capitol Building was originally constructed and dedicated in 1956 during the tenure of William R. Tolbert, Jr. as vice president of Liberia and president of the Senate, while Richard A. Henries was Speaker of the House. Edwin Morgan served as president pro-tempore of the Senate.
In 2018, former Liberian President George Weah dedicated two newly constructed annexes of the Capitol Building. It was one of the developmental projects he inherited from the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government.
The construction of the additional annexes was undertaken by the People’s Republic of China as a gift to the people and government of Liberia, amid the lack of adequate office spaces for lawmakers and their staff. The project cost $12.9 million.
The two new annexes contained 40 offices on the wing of the House of Representatives and 20 offices for the Senate. The annexes also include an additional chamber for the House and the Senate, in addition to a joint chamber and offices for staff of the legislature.
The old building has experienced a series of attacks ranging from burglaries, theft leakages amongst others. Since the construction of the Capitol Building, the dome has not been repaired.
For the past 15 years, the roof of the dome has been leaking profusely and building was recently being considered for renovation.
President Boakai who visited the site condemned what he referred to as “a lot of wanton destruction”.
The inspector general of the Liberia National Police, Gregory Coleman, explained that while the demonstration had started peacefully, a group of the protesters had broken down a barrier near the parliament and “became very violent”.
He alleged that the protesters started to haul stones at police officers leading to the firing of tear gas and also confirmed the arrest of many of the protesters.
Further investigation shows that Representative Foko, a prominent figure in the House of Representatives, allegedly uploaded a video on his Facebook in which he said: “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.”
Police Chief said: “Representative Foko made a threat that he would burn the joint Chambers and just a day after, it was burned. So he needs to clarify his statement.”
Koffa must also explain a Facebook post he made during the protests, the police said.
Speaker Koffa, described incident it as unfortunate and said: “It is a very unfortunate and horrible occurrence. We are very thankful that no life was lost.
“We look forward to the investigation. I think there is limited capacity. The contractors wanted to begin the renovation. Additionally, there is a contractor assessment report that talks about the various risks of that side of the building.
“So, I can rule that out and I can’t rule anything in. I am not a fire investigator, and I am not prepared at this point to speculate on what happened.”
Also Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence said justice must be served in the incident without fear or favor.
Commending fire fighters for their efforts applied to extinguish the fire from spreading to offices and other parts of the building, he said: “The fire incident must be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause, and where applicable, justice must be served without fear or favour.”
Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County called for the “rigor of the law to be served” on the alleged perpetrators (if there is any).
“We demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the unfortunate fire incident at the Capitol Building to determine the cause, and where applicable, to ensure that the rigor of the law be served upon any and all perpetrators of this act without fear or favor.”
Samuel Reeves, President of Liberian Council of Churches (LCC), condemned the incident and in a statement said if arson was confirmed, those responsible must be held accountable.
He said that LCC has facilitated dialogue between the opposing parties, including a meeting at Providence Baptist Church, where both sides pledged to respect the rule of law.
“Despite this, the LCC is deeply concerned by their continued disregard for Supreme Court rulings,” the LCC said in a statement.
The LCC added that given the ambiguity of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, it has formally requested clarification to guide its position on the matter, stating that upholding the rule of law is paramount to maintaining peace and stability.
The United States Embassy said urged all parties to remain calm and embrace dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse.
The Embassy reaffirmed the fundamental right of citizens to express their views peacefully while condemning acts of violence.
“Citizens have a right to express their views peacefully, and violence is never the answer. Political differences should be resolved through an open political process,” the Embassy stated in a statement on Wednesday.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed deep concern over the escalating tension and, condemned the violence.
In a statement, ECOWAS called for restraint from all parties, including protesters and the Liberia National Police and urged them to exercise their rights and mandates peacefully and responsibly.
A political party, Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL) in a statement released on Wednesday in Monrovia, highlighted that this event was a serious setback for the economy and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security and accountability in public institutions.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear to the 73 lawmakers in the Lower House and the 30 senators in the Upper House that the Legislative Building is not a playground, but a venue for serious deliberation aimed at driving the development of Liberia and fostering growth for younger generations.
“It is sad and unfortunate that some individuals continue to use the legislature to serve their own interests, rather than those of the people,” the EFFL statement read and warned that it would not tolerate any further setbacks of this magnitude, describing the destruction of critical infrastructure as both intolerable and unacceptable.
Rights activist Frank Daniel said that the police’s avowed commitment to uncover the truth, coupled with President Boakai’s firm stance against destruction, have offered some reassurance to a shaken public.
However, he said that the path forward may require more than just accountability; and warned that it would likely demand a renewed commitment to dialogue, governance, and the rule of law.
