Wednesday morning, residents of Monrovia, the city of Liberia, woke up to a startling scene: dense black smoke and flames billowing from the famous Capitol building, home of the national legislature. Early enough for no one to be in the building at the time, the fire destroyed the whole House of Representatives joint chambers, therefore sparing any loss of life. Still, the damage has left the country’s political scene unstable.
Who are the police questioning after the fire?
Following the incident, Liberia’s police questioned four people—Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, among others. “We are looking over the incident closely,” the police chief of the nation remarked. “Four people—including Koffa and Foko—are under inquiry concerning the fire.”
How did political tensions lead to claimed threats and demonstrations?
The fire happened one day following a Monrovia demonstration in reaction to proposals to remove Speaker Koffa from his post. Tensed, the demonstration produced multiple arrests, including one involving an advisor to former President George Weah. The legislative debate in Liberia over Koffa’s absence has been divisive as many groups of legislators fight for dominance.
Allegedly posting a menacing video on Facebook before the fire, Representative Frank Saah Foko is one of the major players in this political fight. Foko remarked in the video, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it,” inspiring authorities to act immediately.
What did the police chief say about Foko's alleged threat?
Police Chief Gregory Colman said in an interview that Foko’s comment was a major investigative tip. “Just a day later, the combined chambers were burnt as Representative Foko threatened to do. He should thus clarify his comment,” Colman said, stressing the need for an explanation.
The police chief also hinted about Speaker Koffa’s participation in the matter relating to a Facebook post he made during the demonstrations. Koffa also has to justify his behaviour. Colman stated, “We are reviewing all pertinent information and claims.”
Why Have Koffa or Foko Ignored Comments Been Made by the Police Chief?
Neither Representative Foko nor Speaker Koffa has publicly responded to the police chief’s remarks or the inquiry into the incident yet. Their silence fuels an already hot scenario.
What incentive is the government providing for data regarding the fire?
For anyone who gives information that can assist in case closure, the government of Liberia has promised a prize of $5,000—about £3,900. Deeply disappointed about the fire, President Joseph Boakai has urged security forces to speed up their inquiry. “We must sort out the issue since this fire has interfered with legislative activity. The truth is something the people must know,” President Boakai said.
In what way does the House of Representatives' power struggle affect the state of affairs?
The fire marks the last chapter in a continuous power struggle among Liberia’s House of Representatives. While some legislators assert to have ousted Speaker Koffa from his post, another group objects, citing constitutional grounds. Political unrest in the legislature resulting from tensions over Koffa’s stance has been exacerbated by a recent decision by Liberia’s Supreme Court failing to settle the conflict.
“The situation in the House of Representatives is far from settled,” claimed one unidentified politician. “There are deep divisions; nobody seems to have the power to bring order.”
What possible political ramifications could the fire bring?
The political consequences for Speaker Koffa and Representative Foko are unknown while the inquiry into the incident is in progress. Still, the fire has accentuated Liberia’s already unstable legislative process. With political and criminal ramifications, the fire will likely broadly affect the country’s political direction.
The government and security services are working under tremendous pressure to solve the fire’s riddle; public opinion is split, and this event could determine Liberia’s political direction for years.
