LIBERIA – In the aftermath of a fire outbreak at the Capitol Building early Wednesday morning, President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung visited the scene to assess the damage. Addressing journalists during the tour, President Boakai condemned the incident, labeling it an act of “banditry and gangsterism.”
“This quantum destruction will not be tolerated. We are a poor country, and while some people are working to help us, others are bent on destroying what we have. If you have grievances, there are legal avenues to address them,” President Boakai stated emphatically.
The President called on the Minister of Justice, security agencies, and Liberia’s international partners to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident, promising that perpetrators would face the full force of the law. “This is not a place for hooligans. This is a place for responsible people serving the Liberian people,” he asserted.
The Capitol Building, home to Liberia’s Legislature, caught fire in the early hours of December 18, 2024. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the incident follows a heated protest on Tuesday against the removal of Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. The protest led to the arrest of several individuals, including Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a former aide to ex-President George Weah, intensifying political tensions.
In a related statement, Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon expressed concern over the fire and praised the swift response from firefighters, the Liberia National Police (LNP), and emergency personnel. “We urge the public to remain calm as authorities conduct a full investigation into the cause,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.
Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke billowing from the Capitol Building, causing panic and speculation among onlookers. While the Liberia National Fire Service responded promptly, it remains unclear whether the fire has been completely extinguished or the extent of the damage.
This latest incident has generated widespread calls for stronger security measures and accountability amidst growing political unrest. President Boakai’s firm stance indicates a renewed effort to uphold the rule of law and safeguard Liberia’s fragile institutions.
