Fire Engulfs Liberia’s Parliament Amid Growing Political Tensions

A devastating fire breaks out in Liberia’s parliament building, coinciding with escalating political tensions in the country.

A destructive fire erupted at Liberia’s parliament building in Monrovia on Wednesday, after a day of intense protests concerning the country’s ongoing political deadlock.

Officials have confirmed that the fire, which ignited early in the morning, is now under control. An investigation is currently underway to identify its cause.

This incident follows violent confrontations between police and protesters on Tuesday, leading to condemnation from the regional bloc ECOWAS and the US embassy.

Both individuals have urged for peace and moderation as Liberia faces its persistent political crisis.

Videos shared on social media depicted the dramatic scene, showing flames consuming parts of the parliament while thick black smoke rose into the sky.

Firefighters were observed tackling the fire, employing lengthy hoses and water jets to control the destruction.

During his visit to the site on Wednesday, President Joseph Boakai denounced “a great deal of senseless destruction” occurring in the country.

The fire erupted just one day after protesters filled the streets of Monrovia to oppose a contentious decision to remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his position.

The issue has led to months of political deadlock between two competing legislative factions, with the anti-Koffa group accusing an opposition lawmaker of corruption and exceeding his budget.

Gregory Coleman, the inspector general of the Liberia National Police, informed journalists that although the demonstration began peacefully, a group of protesters breached a barrier near parliament and “became very violent.”

“They began throwing stones at officers, prompting the use of tear gas,” he stated during a press conference, noting that dozens were arrested.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Information, the government asserted that “only non-lethal force” was used to disperse protesters on Tuesday and denied that security forces fired live bullets.

AFP