Monrovia’s Capitol Blaze Raises Alarm
Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, was gripped by chaos as flames engulfed the Capitol building, home to the nation’s legislature.
Residents awoke to thick black smoke and blazing fire consuming the joint chambers, leaving the structure severely damaged. Authorities confirmed that the building was unoccupied during the incident.
Police have initiated investigations into the fire, questioning four individuals, including Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko. 
Liberia’s police chief, Gregory Colman, noted that Representative Foko had earlier posted a Facebook video stating, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.” His remarks are now under scrutiny.
Power Struggles and Protest Tensions
The incident followed heightened political tension, with protests erupting over moves to remove Speaker Koffa from his role. During the demonstration, several individuals, including a former aide to ex-President George Weah, were detained.
Adding to the controversy, Speaker Koffa also shared a Facebook post during the protests, prompting police to seek clarity about its content. Neither Koffa nor Foko has publicly responded to the allegations.
A Nation Seeks Answers
Liberia’s government has offered a $5,000 reward for credible information about the fire. President Joseph Boakai condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation, instructing security agencies to uncover the truth behind the blaze.
The fire exacerbates an already volatile situation within the House of Representatives, which has been embroiled in a power struggle. While one faction claims to have replaced Speaker Koffa, others have dismissed the move as unconstitutional. Even a Supreme Court ruling has failed to resolve the impasse.
The question remains: Is this fire a result of Liberia’s escalating political crisis, or was it a tragic coincidence?
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