The speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives is under police investigation following a significant fire at the nation’s legislature.
On Wednesday morning, residents of Monrovia awoke to find thick black smoke and flames emanating from the Capitol building.
The fire completely engulfed the joint chambers of the legislature, although there were no occupants inside at the time.
Police Chief Gregory Colman reported that four individuals, including Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, have been summoned for questioning.
This incident occurred just a day after a protest erupted over plans to oust Koffa from his position, leading to several arrests, including that of an aide to former President George Weah.
Representative Foko, a notable member of the House, reportedly posted a video on Facebook stating, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.”
Colman remarked, “Representative Foko made a threat that he would burn the joint Chambers, and just a day later, it was burned. He needs to clarify his statement.”
He also indicated that Koffa must provide an explanation for a Facebook post he shared during the protests.
As of now, neither Foko nor Koffa has publicly addressed Colman’s remarks. The government has announced a $5,000 (£3,900) reward for any information regarding the fire.
President Joseph Boakai has voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the incident and has directed security agencies to conduct an investigation.
The House of Representatives in Liberia is currently experiencing a power struggle, with a faction of lawmakers asserting that they have ousted and replaced Speaker Koffa.
In contrast, another group has opposed this move, labeling it unconstitutional, and a ruling from the Supreme Court has not resolved the ongoing internal conflict.
