Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, through its Joint Security Council (JSC), has vowed to prosecute all individuals found culpable in the December 2024 fire that destroyed portions of the Capitol Building — regardless of their political connections — as pressure mounts over the delayed conclusion of the high-profile arson investigation.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The blaze, which erupted during a heated leadership crisis at the House of Representatives, gutted the Joint Chambers and several offices at the Capitol, Liberia’s official legislative seat.
A preliminary report by the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) confirmed that the incident was an act of arson. Several suspects were arrested and turned over to the courts.
Additionally, then-House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and lawmakers Abu Kamara and Dixon Seeboe were summoned by the Liberia National Police (LNP) for questioning.
Nearly six months later, the public is still awaiting a conclusive report, prompting fresh inquiries from lawmakers and civil society.
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman told the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, June 3, that the investigation remains active and complex.
“This is a very sensitive and high-profile investigation that requires a lot of expertise,” Coleman said. “We have been lucky. Luck was on our side. The capacity that we’ve built over the years has also played into this investigation. It is well advanced. I am very proud of the Joint Security. This is one of the strongest cases in my entire career.”
He promised impartiality in the final report and insisted that no one will be shielded. “Absolutely no one who’s involved — regardless of status or political connection — will be excluded. Those who are responsible will be charged.”
Coleman disclosed that international fire experts were brought in to assist, given the case’s sensitive political backdrop and the need for transparency. He acknowledged public impatience, but urged Liberians to “give the police the chance to do our job.”
“We are trying to be very careful because of the situation out of which this crime was birthed,” he noted. “We are trying to eliminate any attempt of disinformation that could indicate any political nature—which, of course, is not the fact.”
Coleman emphasized that charges already filed were based on solid evidence and that investigators are pursuing additional leads.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, also appearing before the Senate, admitted to delays but stressed that the investigation is “very far advanced.”
“The prosecutorial arm of the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the LNP, is conducting a comprehensive and detailed investigation. It has taken a while, but we’re trying to be as meticulous as possible to ensure that justice is served,” Tweh said.
He assured that once the investigation is concluded, legal action would follow. “We are still doing what is ongoing, but we can assure you that we are doing our utmost to ensure that we have gathered all the evidence and that other people who participated will be brought to justice.”
When pressed for a definitive timeline, Tweh declined to provide a specific date but said the probe is aimed at identifying all actors involved.
“There are other individuals linked to the crime and we need to conduct a proper investigation. That aspect is ongoing. So, we do not have all the perpetrators,” he said. “We want to have everybody together before that investigation is closed conclusively.”
Tweh cautioned that some elements of the case must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation. “The calling of names of the suspects would jeopardize the ongoing investigation, thereby enabling them to prepare themselves for defense in court.”
Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County described the fire as an act of domestic terrorism, urging swift justice.
“Taxpayers are paying for the crime of a few angry people who are reacting because of their friends’ disagreement with them,” Konneh said. “This place—the Capitol—we are supposed to disagree. We came here not to agree.”
Konneh stressed that this is a pivotal moment for Liberia to demonstrate that it upholds the rule of law. “This is a perfect opportunity for the government to show that Liberia is a country of laws, not men.”
Minister Tweh said the investigation is ongoing in order to “link others to the crime.” While some suspects are already under the court’s jurisdiction, more names may emerge as evidence is reviewed.
“As we investigate and the evidence leads, we have to forward the evidence, and maybe more people will be added. Others are being investigated,” he said.
He also confirmed that U.S.-based fire experts participated in the preliminary stages of the probe but reiterated that some information cannot yet be disclosed.
“We are finalizing the investigation, and thereafter everybody, including the Senate, will know exactly what happened.”
Liberians continue to await a full public report and further legal proceedings in the wake of what is arguably one of the most politically sensitive criminal cases in the nation’s recent history.
Until then, government officials say they are focused on ensuring that justice is not only done—but is seen to be done—without fear or favor.
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