The Liberia National Police (LNP) is investigating a fire that engulfed the Rotunda of the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024. The Rotunda, housing the joint chambers of the Liberian legislature, was primarily used by the majority bloc of the House of Representatives at the time of the incident. Authorities have deemed the fire an arson attack, and several lawmakers, including House Speaker Fonati Koffa, are considered persons of interest in the ongoing investigation. The LNP has been rescheduling appearances for questioning, with Speaker Koffa’s initial appearance postponed to March 5, 2025. The investigation is unfolding amidst political tensions between a majority bloc led by Representative Richard N. Koon and a minority bloc headed by Speaker Koffa.
The fire occurred the day after an anti-government demonstration at the Capitol. Following the incident, the LNP arrested 73 demonstrators and several persons of interest, including Representative Frank Saah Foko, who was accompanied by Speaker Koffa. Security officers on duty the night of the fire were also among those initially arrested. While some were released after providing information, the investigation continues to focus on potential conspiracy, facilitation, and execution of the arson. The LNP, along with the National Fire Service, conducted a preliminary investigation, ruling out an electrical fault as the cause of the fire. Their findings, based on the automatic breaker system remaining active, the thick black smoke, and the multidirectional spread of the flames, strongly suggest arson.
Further solidifying the arson theory, evidence collected by the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) revealed a container with flammable substances at the scene. To ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation, the Liberian government has enlisted the assistance of foreign experts, specifically fire experts from the United States, who arrived last week to examine the fire scene. The scene itself is being preserved meticulously to maintain the integrity of the evidence for the foreign experts’ analysis. While the preliminary findings strongly point towards arson, the foreign experts’ input will be crucial in finalizing the investigation.
The investigation is being treated with utmost confidentiality, as the LNP intends to present its findings to the National Security Council before releasing any information to the public. The names of the individuals considered persons of interest, including Speaker Koffa, remain classified at this stage. This confidentiality is deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure a fair process for all involved. Once the National Security Council has been briefed, the LNP will declassify and release relevant information to the press, thereby maintaining transparency while also protecting the sensitive nature of the investigation.
The political context surrounding the arson attack adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The existing tensions between the majority and minority blocs within the House of Representatives provide a potential backdrop for the incident. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover not just the perpetrators of the arson itself but also any potential motives and connections to the existing political climate. This includes scrutinizing any potential link between the anti-government protests that preceded the fire and the arson attack itself.
The fire at the Capitol Building represents a significant event in Liberian politics, with potential ramifications for the country’s stability and governance. The comprehensive investigation, aided by foreign expertise, seeks to bring the perpetrators to justice and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the attack. As the investigation progresses, the Liberian public awaits further updates, anticipating the release of information from the LNP following the briefing of the National Security Council. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial for addressing the political tensions and ensuring accountability for the damage inflicted upon a symbol of Liberian democracy.
