House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa vehemently denies any involvement in the fire that ravaged the Capitol Building’s Rotunda, the joint chamber of the Liberian Legislature. While out of the country, Speaker Koffa responded to the Liberia National Police (LNP)’s announcement listing him and several members of his minority bloc as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation. He maintains his innocence and encourages the involvement of international partners to ensure an impartial investigation. He underscores his cooperation throughout the process, questioning the necessity of being contacted through the opposing majority bloc, led by Representative Richard N. Koon.
The fire, deemed an arson attack, occurred amidst escalating political tensions between the majority and minority blocs within the House of Representatives. The Rotunda, primarily used by the majority bloc, was gutted in the early morning hours, deepening the political divide. The LNP, in a letter to Majority Leader Koon, explained that Speaker Koffa and other members of his bloc were identified as persons of interest due to their potential insight into the incident. The police emphasized their commitment to a professional and transparent investigation, respecting the rights of all individuals involved. They requested a meeting with the identified representatives to discuss the framework of their participation.
Prior to contacting the House leadership, Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman publicly announced that the LNP possessed sufficient evidence to suggest arson, implicating potential facilitation, conspiracy, and execution of the act. He warned those identified as persons of interest to cooperate with the investigation or face arrest. While acknowledging the sensitive nature of the investigation, he pledged to release further details upon declassification by the National Security Council.
The investigation, a joint effort between the LNP and the National Fire Service, has yielded compelling evidence pointing towards arson. Investigators dismissed the possibility of an electrical fault due to the Capitol Building’s automatic breaker system, which remained functional throughout the fire. The heavy, black smoke, characteristic of arson, further solidified their suspicions. The Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) also discovered a container containing flammable substances at the scene.
Further reinforcing the arson theory, Fire Chief Barwoul cited the color and multi-directional movement of the flames as indicative of an intentional act. The unique characteristics of the fire, combined with the presence of flammable materials, provided strong support for the arson conclusion. To ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation, the Liberian government has enlisted the assistance of foreign experts. Their findings are expected to corroborate the initial conclusions reached by local authorities. The scene remains preserved awaiting their arrival.
The ongoing investigation into the Capitol Building fire has further intensified the political polarization within Liberia’s House of Representatives. Speaker Koffa’s insistent denial of involvement clashes with the LNP’s assertion of his status as a person of interest. The involvement of international experts and the pending release of further details promise to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this politically charged incident. The outcome of the investigation holds significant implications for the stability and future direction of Liberian politics.
