Liberian police have questioned the embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, following a devastating fire at the Capitol building in Monrovia.
On Wednesday morning, residents were alarmed to see thick black smoke and flames engulfing the legislature, destroying the joint chambers. Fortunately, no one was in the building at the time.
Liberia’s police chief, Gregory Colman, confirmed that four individuals, including Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, have been brought in for questioning.
The fire occurred just one day after a protest aimed at removing Koffa from his position. Several demonstrators, including an aide to former President George Weah, were arrested during Tuesday’s protest.
Representative Foko allegedly made a threat in a Facebook video, saying, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it. ” Colman remarked, “Foko needs to clarify his statement,” linking the threat to the timing of the fire. Additionally, Koffa is being asked to explain a Facebook post he made during the protests.
Neither Foko nor Koffa have publicly responded to the comments from the police chief.
The Liberian government has offered a $5,000 reward for information about the fire, and President Joseph Boakai has expressed disappointment, ordering a thorough investigation into the incident.
Liberia’s House of Representatives has been beset by a power struggle, in which a faction of lawmakers claims to have removed and replaced Speaker Koffa.
Another group has resisted the action, calling it unconstitutional.
A Supreme Court ruling has failed to solve the internal dispute.
