On December 18, a massive fire severely damaged Liberia’s parliament building in Monrovia, just a week after a similar scare at the complex. The blaze destroyed vital offices and archives, significantly impacting the functioning of the legislative body. No casualties were reported, but the fire, which started in the morning, came just one day after violent protests calling for the rule of law to be followed in the contentious push to remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
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This fire has added to the mounting political tensions in the country, with suspicions surrounding its potential political motivations. While authorities have yet to confirm any direct link between the protests and the fire, the police have interrogated several individuals, including Speaker Koffa, in connection with the incident.
Timeline of Events and the Fire’s Impact
On the morning of December 18, thick black smoke poured from the upper floors of the parliament building, which suffered extensive structural damage, including cracked walls and destroyed offices. The joint chamber of the legislature, a key space for parliamentary activities, was also badly damaged. Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze, but significant destruction had already occurred.
President Joseph Boakai, who visited the scene, condemned the fire as “a lot of wanton destruction,” suggesting that it could be part of an orchestrated attempt to sow political discord. This incident followed another fire scare at the complex on December 11, which resulted in a cordoned-off wing but caused no injuries. The fire services did not release details of damage from the first scare, though investigations were underway at the time.

Protests and Clashes Over Speaker Koffa’s Removal
The fire coincided with rising tensions in Liberia’s House of Representatives. On December 17, protests erupted in Monrovia calling for adherence to the rule of law in the ongoing efforts to remove Speaker Koffa. The protests grew chaotic when police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas, leading to several arrests, including that of Sekou Kalasco, an aide to former President George Weah. Authorities stated that tear gas was used only when protesters breached designated protest zones.
The protests were fueled by an ongoing political crisis in the House of Representatives, where Koffa, a member of former President Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), faces accusations of corruption, including allegations of diverting millions of dollars during his time as deputy speaker. These allegations have led to a call for his removal, though Koffa has strongly denied them, asserting that the issues at play are rooted in legislative disagreements over committee assignments and internal treatment of lawmakers.
The Legislative Standoff
The legislative crisis has resulted in a standoff between two factions within the House of Representatives. A group of lawmakers, self-styled as the “majority bloc,” has filed a resolution seeking Koffa’s removal over claims of corruption and financial mismanagement. However, this move has faced strong resistance from Koffa’s supporters, and the impasse has continued for months, halting essential legislative functions, including the passage of the national budget.
In October, a pro-Koffa legislator alleged that the majority bloc had attempted to bribe members to support the resolution. The majority bloc denied the claims but has continued to push for Koffa’s ouster. Meanwhile, the opposing faction has boycotted parliamentary sessions and formed a separate faction, electing Richard Koon from the Unity Party as their speaker. This division has led to competing sessions, with both sides claiming legitimacy, but neither has achieved the two-thirds majority needed to remove Koffa. Currently, only 45 members of the 73-member House have signed the resolution for Koffa’s removal.

Suspected Arson and Political Fallout
While no direct link has been confirmed between the protests and the fire, the police have not ruled out arson. The police chief, Gragray Coleman, has pointed to the inflammatory statements made by certain lawmakers, particularly Frank Saah Foko, who had threatened to burn the parliament building. After the fire, Foko was questioned by authorities about his earlier comments. Police believe that the threats made by Foko may warrant further investigation in light of the fire’s timing.
Political analysts have raised concerns about the erosion of public trust in Liberia’s government due to the deadlock and the use of violence in political disputes. “The legislative impasse has deepened the mistrust Liberians have for their government,” said Aaron Weah, director of the Ducor Institute, a local think tank. “The potential for non-state actors to escalate violence grows when political negotiations break down.”

The Supreme Court’s Role
Koffa has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking clarification on the legality of the actions taken by the majority bloc. The Court ruled that lawmakers cannot be compelled to attend sessions but did not clarify which faction’s actions were illegal, leading to further ambiguity. Both factions have claimed their actions are lawful, which has prolonged the deadlock and prevented a resolution to the crisis.
In the aftermath of the fire and continuing political deadlock, the government has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. President Boakai has instructed the Ministry of Justice and security agencies to investigate the cause of the fire, promising that those responsible will be held accountable. The Liberia National Fire Service has suggested that flammable substances such as petrol or chemicals may have contributed to the blaze.
Broader Implications for Liberia’s Democracy
The political crisis in Liberia is being closely monitored by both domestic and international actors. The United States Embassy and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for a comprehensive investigation into the fire. Analysts have warned that how this situation is resolved will set a critical precedent for Liberia’s future political landscape.
“This crisis is a defining moment for Liberia’s democracy,” said Aaron Weah. “Liberia has a very young population, and the handling of this situation will shape the future of democratic practices in the country.”
As the standoff in Liberia’s legislature continues, the fire at the parliament and the broader political crisis serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country. With vital legislative functions stalled and public trust at a low point, Liberia’s political future is at a crossroads, and the resolution of this crisis will determine the trajectory of its democracy in the years to come.