Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Firefighters on Thursday averted what could have been the third fire outbreak at the Capitol Building after detecting smoke emanating from the rotunda of the historic structure.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com
The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) attributed the latest incident to an electrical fault caused by a water-soaked breaker, which began sparking. Officials confirmed that the situation was swiftly brought under control before escalating into a full-blown fire.
This marks the third fire-related scare at the Capitol Building in recent months, raising significant concerns about safety and maintenance. The most significant of these incidents occurred on December 18, 2022, when a major fire engulfed the joint chamber, causing extensive damage to one of Liberia’s most important legislative facilities.
The December fire led to multiple arrests, and police have forwarded several individuals to court in connection with the incident. The investigation also identified lawmakers as “persons of interest” in the arson attack.
In a recent communication to the House of Representatives, the LNP summoned several lawmakers for questioning regarding the ongoing investigation. Among those invited are House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Rep. Marvin Cole (District #3, Bong), Rep. Jacob Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh), Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado), Rep. Frank Saah Foko (District #9, Montserrado), Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), and Rep. Dixon Seboe (District #16, Montserrado).
‘I am innocent’
Speaker Fonati Koffa, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities investigating the recent fire incident at the Capitol Building. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Speaker confirmed receiving a communication from the majority bloc of the House, indicating that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has invited him and several other lawmakers to assist in the ongoing investigation.
“I understand that by a communication to the House of Representatives majority block, the Liberia National Police has invited me and others to assist in the investigation of the fire incident,” Speaker Koffa stated. He reassured the public of his continued commitment to transparency and cooperation, emphasizing his innocence regarding the incident.
“Since the unfortunate occurrence of this event, I have consistently cooperated and ensured the cooperation of all persons under my employ. I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event,” the Speaker said.
The repeated fire incidents at the Capitol Building have raised concerns about safety measures and security within one of Liberia’s most important institutions. While the electrical fault in the latest incident was contained, the recurrence of such threats has drawn attention to the need for a comprehensive review of the building’s electrical and safety systems.
Arson and Allegations
Following the December fire, the Liberia National Police (LNP) launched an investigation and classified the incident as an arson attack. At a joint press conference on January 8, the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) announced that preliminary findings suggested arson, with investigators alleging that gasoline may have been used to ignite the fire. The investigation has largely focused on staffers of pro-Speaker lawmakers, while there has been no indication that the faction of the Majority Bloc lawmakers or their affiliates are under scrutiny.
Critics have condemned the investigation as politically motivated, pointing to the alleged alignment between the Executive Branch and the Majority Bloc lawmakers seeking to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Analysts warn that this perceived bias undermines the credibility of the investigation, turning it into a potential political weapon rather than a genuine fact-finding mission.
Dr. Clarence Pearson, a Liberian scholar and political commentator, shared detailed observations in an article, highlighting several flaws in the investigative efforts including limited expertise and capacity. He stated the LNFS has been criticized for its lack of a proven track record in handling complex fire investigations. High-profile fire incidents, including those at the homes of Speaker Koffa, Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh, and Senator Saah Joseph, remain unresolved, fueling public skepticism about the agency’s competence.
Unsecured Crime Scene
Observers have raised concerns over the lack of proper crime scene preservation at the Capitol Building. Poorly managed evidence could compromise the investigation and further erode public trust.
Allegations of Torture
Staffers arrested in connection with the fire have accused the police and the National Security Agency (NSA) of coercing them into implicating Speaker Koffa. Lawyers representing the detainees have denounced these actions, citing violations of due process and human rights.
Unaddressed Security Lapses
The presence of heavy police and Legislative Security Services (LSS) personnel at the Capitol Building during the legislative crisis raises questions about their role in preventing the fire or whether their negligence contributed to the incident.
Dr. Pearson concluded that these issues not only weaken the integrity of the investigation but also deepen public mistrust in the country’s institutions. He called for an independent probe with international assistance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Where are the experts?
The announcement by Inspector General Gregory Coleman that the government would seek international expertise to aid the investigation has yet to materialize. When questioned by reporters, Liberia National Fire Service Director Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul declined to provide specifics, stating, “Please wait for the final report.”
Dr. Pearson said this lack of transparency has heightened public concerns, with growing calls for the involvement of independent experts to restore credibility and ensure impartiality in the investigation.
The latest fire incident, which occurred in the Capitol Building’s rotunda, has drawn public attention and raised questions about the safety and security measures within the nation’s legislative headquarters. The LNP is currently leading the investigation, but there have been growing calls for the involvement of international experts to ensure an impartial and credible probe.
Speaker Koffa echoed these calls, urging the authorities to seek assistance from international partners to bolster the investigation’s credibility. “I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” he remarked.
As the investigation continues, the public remains skeptical of its outcomes, with many calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents and strengthen Liberia’s ability to handle complex national crises.
