Liberia’s House of Representatives has been embroiled in a power struggle, with a huge fire breaking out at the Capitol building on Wednesday morning.
Speaker Denies Involvement in Parliament Fire
The speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has denied any involvement in a huge fire that broke out at the West African nation’s legislature. The Capitol building was set alight on Wednesday morning, with no one inside at the time.
Investigation Launched
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with more information. Koffa was among those questioned by the police after the incident, but he claims he was only there to accompany a colleague, Representative Frank Saah Foko.
Power Struggle Continues
Liberia’s House of Representatives has been embroiled in a power struggle, with a faction of lawmakers claiming to have removed and replaced Koffa as speaker. Another group has resisted the action, calling it unconstitutional. A Supreme Court ruling has failed to resolve the dispute.
Speaker’s Response
Koffa told the BBC that he had spent nine hours at the police station but insists he was not questioned about his involvement in the fire. He referred to a Facebook post he made during the protests and said he would provide a written statement about it. Koffa also called for a “neutral”, international investigation into the fire.
Cause of Fire Unknown
Koffa suggested that the fire could have been caused by any number of reasons, including arson. However, he emphasized that he had “never been, and would never be, associated with that kind of violence”. He also noted that the part of the building damaged by the fire was old and had previously been warned to be a potential safety hazard.
International Investigation
Koffa called for an international investigation into the fire, citing concerns about the impartiality of the local authorities. The incident has sparked widespread concern in Liberia, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the government’s handling of the crisis.
