Liberia’s House of Representatives has been plunged into deeper controversy after a massive fire engulfed its joint chambers in the Capitol building on Wednesday.
Residents of Monrovia woke to thick black smoke and flames rising from the legislative complex, which was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
The blaze destroyed the entire legislative chambers, and authorities are investigating possible links to ongoing political tensions.
Liberia’s police chief, Gregory Colman, confirmed that Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, along with two others, have been questioned regarding the fire.
The incident follows protests on Tuesday sparked by efforts to remove Speaker Koffa from his role.
Demonstrations turned chaotic, leading to several arrests, including an aide to former President George Weah.
Representative Foko is under scrutiny for a video he allegedly posted on Facebook, in which he reportedly stated, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.” Police Chief Colman said, “Representative Foko made a threat that he would burn the joint chambers, and just a day after, it was burned. So he needs to clarify his statement.”
Speaker Koffa has also been called to explain a separate Facebook post made during the protests, though neither lawmaker has publicly addressed the accusations.
President Joseph Boakai expressed disappointment over the incident and directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. The government has announced a $5,000 (£3,900) reward for information leading to further developments in the case.
The fire comes against the backdrop of a bitter power struggle within the House of Representatives. A faction of lawmakers claims to have removed Speaker Koffa, citing his leadership as unconstitutional, while another group opposes the move. Even a Supreme Court ruling has failed to resolve the dispute, leaving the legislature in turmoil.
