Liberia: President Boakai’s Assertion on Capitol Building Fire Mirrors Police Preliminary Findings
Monrovia – In the aftermath of a hearth outbreak on the Capitol Building early Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024, President Joseph Boakai visited the scene to evaluate the injury. Following the tour, President Boakai condemned the incident, labeling it an act of “banditry and gangsterism.”
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, Selma Lomax and Willie N. Tokpah
The President insinuated that the hearth was an arson assault, including that the Capitol Building wasn’t a spot for “hooligans.”
He stated: “We are here to console the members of the first branch of government. We are in sympathy with them for this destruction that shouldn’t have happened, and we are not going to allow this to happen in this country. people who have problems, they have to eat to settle it. We are not going to settle for this. This is not a place for hooligans. This is a place for responsible people who are here to serve the Liberian people. This country is poor, and I don’t care what they do, we will build this country.”
It is worthy to notice that earlier than the second fireplace incident, the 73 lawmakers within the House of Representatives had been significantly engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy throughout the HOR. They had been divided into two teams — Majority Bloc, being closely backed by the Executive, which the President heads and Minority bloc — which was headed by the embattled House Speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, whom his colleagues had “illegally” faraway from his put up as Speaker.
The President’s assertion made his critics conclude that it might have jeopardized the investigation from its very starting or earlier than it even took off.
Arson suspected
The joint assertion by the LNP and the LNFS comes days after Police Inspector General Gregory Cole stated on the 50-50 Morning Show that “they needed time” to conclude the investigation.
Coleman introduced that the hearth incident on the Capitol Building final December was an arson assault. This is the primary official affirmation of arson for the reason that joint investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Liberia National Fire Service, and different joint safety businesses started.
Speaking at a press convention at Police Headquarters, Coleman revealed that investigators have gathered substantial proof pointing to a deliberate act. He acknowledged that a number of individuals of curiosity have been recognized and that vital findings have been made. However, these findings will solely be launched to the general public as soon as they’re declassified.
Inspector General Coleman additionally disclosed that the police have invited people linked to the incident for questioning and urged them to cooperate with the continuing investigation. When requested if any arrests had been made, Coleman defined that whereas a number of people have been apprehended within the fast aftermath of the hearth, they have been launched following authorized negotiations. He assured that these people could be recalled because the investigation progresses, and could be arrested in the event that they resist.
He stated: “January 8, at this point in time, we want to officially inform the nation that we have sufficient evidence to call the act at the Capitol an act of arson. The electrical system at the building was duly accessed and up to the time of the fire, the system was distributing current. We are definite about calling the fire an arson. We have identified persons of interest in this investigation. Those people have been reached, we are sending out clear messages to them to come in to continue the investigation, and in the case where they don’t, they could be arrested.”
The December fireplace precipitated in depth injury to the Capitol Building’s Joint Chamber, prompting widespread concern. Among these recognized as individuals of curiosity was Representative Frank Saah Foko, who had been seen with members of the Minority Bloc, together with Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, across the time of the incident. Both people have denied any involvement.
In the aftermath of the hearth, the police and joint safety businesses introduced a $5,000 reward for anybody offering credible info to assist the investigation.
LNFS Director General Col. G. Warsuweh Barvoul supported these findings, revealing that international specialists are helping the investigation.
Both businesses have pledged transparency and accountability, urging the general public to keep away from politicizing the incident.
The fireplace on the Capitol Building was the second in as many weeks, following a smoke incident linked to {an electrical} fault. The destruction of the joint chambers, the legislative coronary heart of Liberia, has sparked nationwide outrage.
President Joseph Boakai condemned the act as a risk to Liberia’s democracy, promising accountability:
“We are not going to tolerate this anymore… If you have a problem, we have the rule of law – but we are not going to accept this. Those caught will be dealt with, and we will set a tone for others,” Boakai declared.
Private Investigator Raises Concerns
This announcement comes simply days after Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, talking on the 50-50 Morning Show, requested extra time to conclude the investigation. However, Coleman has now declared that the hearth was certainly an arson assault, marking the primary official affirmation for the reason that joint investigation by the LNP, LNFS, and different safety businesses started.
Despite the affirmation, a former fireplace chief and personal investigator primarily based within the diaspora, who requested anonymity, has questioned the validity of the findings and the general integrity of the investigation.
The investigator expressed shock at Coleman’s sudden announcement of arson proof, noting that the Inspector General had beforehand indicated the necessity for extra time to finish the probe. “The sudden shift raises concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation,” the supply stated.
Key Aspects of Fire Investigation
The investigator outlined a number of crucial elements usually examined throughout a hearth investigation together with fireplace Patterns.
He stated investigators analyze burn patterns to find out the hearth’s origin and the way it unfold. Patterns like “V” shapes, char marks, and contours of demarcation are crucial in figuring out intentional fires.
Physical Evidence
He stated residues from ignitable liquids or proof of tampered utilities usually level to foul play. The investigator questioned whether or not such proof was correctly collected and analyzed.
Witness Statements
He famous that matching bodily proof with witness accounts helps reconstruct the occasions resulting in the hearth, including that it stays unclear if statements have been adequately reviewed or corroborated.
Structure Conditions
The state of the Capitol Building, together with open or closed home windows and doorways, and whether or not the hearth unfold via the roof, can present vital clues.
In addition, he stated the encircling scene, together with particles, blocked entry factors, and affect on close by buildings, can also be crucial to the investigation.
He additionally talked about the methods used to extinguish the hearth and the response time of firefighters might supply perception into how the hearth was managed and whether or not it matched the suspected timeline.
Fire Alarm and Security Systems
According to him, the standing of alarms, sprinklers, and different fireplace prevention programs on the Capitol Building is an integral part of any thorough investigation.
Use of Advanced Technology
The investigator famous that specialised platforms and expertise, similar to fireplace modeling software program and forensic instruments, are sometimes employed to make sure accuracy. However, it’s unclear whether or not such sources have been utilized on this case.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The affirmation of arson has intensified public curiosity within the investigation, notably concerning how the hearth was set and by whom. Critics have referred to as for better transparency from the LNP and LNFS, urging them to reveal the proof supporting their findings.
As the investigation continues, the general public awaits additional updates, notably on whether or not suspects have been recognized and what motive could have pushed the alleged arson.
Political Turmoil and Allegations
The fireplace comes amidst a management disaster within the House of Representatives. Allegations are rife, with some linking the pro-Koffa bloc to the arson. Adding to the stress, Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko was summoned by the police over alleged incendiary remarks made earlier than the hearth. Foko, nonetheless, insists on due course of, accusing the federal government of focusing on opposition voices.
The incident additionally disrupted funeral plans for former Vice President John D. Gray, with a scheduled silent wake shifted from the Capitol Building to the National Patriotic Party headquarters.
The Capitol Building, inbuilt 1956, has been tormented by neglect and political turmoil. Despite e the $1.3 million allotted in 2023 for renovations, the funds by no means reached the contractors, resulting in allegations of corruption. Speaker Koffa acknowledged the constructing’s deteriorating state however kept away from speculating in regards to the fireplace’s trigger.
Condemnations and Calls for Justice
The fireplace has drawn widespread condemnation. Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence referred to as for an neutral investigation, commending firefighters for his or her efforts. Senator Abraham Darius Dillon emphasised the necessity for swift justice, whereas the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) referred to as for accountability and dialogue.
The United States Embassy and ECOWAS have additionally expressed concern, urging restraint and adherence to the rule of legislation.
As Liberia grapples with this disaster, the Capitol Building fireplace underscores the pressing want for transparency, accountability, and unity.
The arson investigation, set towards a backdrop of political division and systemic points, will take a look at the resilience of Liberia’s democracy.
Justice, as President Boakai and others have vowed, should be served, not simply to punish these accountable however to reaffirm the values the Capitol Building was meant to uphold.
