The Liberian government’s protracted silence regarding the findings of the investigation into the December 18, 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building has fueled public anxiety and suspicion. Despite enlisting the assistance of US fire experts and initially charging several individuals with conspiracy to destabilize the state, the government has yet to release a comprehensive report on the incident, which caused extensive damage to the legislative building and disrupted legislative activities for nearly a month. The lack of transparency surrounding the investigation has raised concerns about potential political maneuvering and a desire to shield influential figures from scrutiny.
The involvement of US fire experts was initially touted as a demonstration of the Liberian government’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. Their expertise was intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage and contribute to the ongoing investigation led by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS). However, the promised joint press conference to update the public on the findings never materialized, and the government has remained conspicuously silent on the matter since March 2025. This silence, coupled with the departure of the US experts, has left many Liberians questioning the government’s true intentions and whether the investigation is being deliberately stalled.
The investigation itself has been marked by allegations of high-level involvement in the arson attack. Montserrado County Representative Dixon Seboe was implicated for allegedly providing financial support to the suspects before the incident, while former House Speaker Fonati Koffa returned from a medical trip to address his status as a person of interest in the case. These allegations add another layer of complexity to the situation and underscore the potential political ramifications of the investigation’s findings. The government’s reticence to release the report further fuels speculation that it may contain information that could implicate powerful individuals and potentially destabilize the political landscape.
Despite the lack of official communication from the government, the judicial process against two of the accused, Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay, has moved forward. In February 2025, the Monrovia City Court ruled that sufficient evidence existed to proceed to trial, citing evidence gathered from the crime scene and electronic devices linked to the defendants. The charges against them include conspiracy to set fire to the Capitol Building, resulting in over US$8 million in damages, as well as assaulting a police officer and stealing his firearm during the incident. The transfer of their case to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice marked a significant step in the legal proceedings, but it has done little to quell public unease regarding the broader investigation and the government’s silence.
The delay in releasing the findings of the investigation has serious implications for public trust and accountability in Liberia. The government’s lack of transparency raises legitimate concerns about potential political interference and a desire to protect powerful figures from prosecution. The prolonged silence fuels speculation and erodes public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. A swift and transparent resolution to the investigation is crucial not only for bringing those responsible to justice but also for demonstrating the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and accountability.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Capitol Building arson attack highlights the fragility of Liberia’s democratic institutions and the challenges it faces in combating corruption and promoting transparency. The government’s failure to address the public’s concerns regarding the investigation only exacerbates these challenges. A decisive and transparent conclusion to the investigation is essential for restoring public trust, demonstrating accountability, and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future. The longer the government remains silent, the more it risks fueling further speculation and undermining its own credibility.
