The Liberia National Police has concluded its investigation into the devastating Capitol Building fire of December 18, 2024, presenting what appears to be a robust set of charges against a mix of civilian staff, protest participants, and high-profile lawmakers. As the legal process begins, we find ourselves at a crossroads of accountability, justice, and the rule of law. This moment demands more than celebration or condemnation — it demands clarity, integrity, and restraint.
The scale and scope of the charges are staggering. From arson and criminal mischief to attempted murder and conspiracy, the accused — including senior lawmakers — face some of the most serious crimes under Liberian law. For many, this marks a dramatic climax to months of turmoil in the House of Representatives that saw rival blocs battling for control, culminating in public protests, street clashes, and the torching of the symbolic heart of Liberia’s democracy, the Capitol.
The Legislature’s descent into dysfunction did not happen in a vacuum; it happened with the full knowledge of the public, the Executive, and the Judiciary — each of which, at different points, seemed to either enable or ignore the mounting crisis.
We commend the Liberia National Police, under the leadership of Inspector General Gregory Coleman, for what appears to be a diligent investigation. The level of detail released — outlining roles, timelines, and legal citations — reflects a seriousness we don’t often see in high-profile political cases in Liberia. It is a notable demonstration of what the state can do when it takes its mandate seriously.
But let us be clear: due process is non-negotiable. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The nature of the charges and the political identities of some of the accused — including former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa — have already led critics to decry the proceedings as a witch hunt. There are concerns about whether the accused were able to secure timely legal counsel or post bail, and whether the charges are being wielded selectively.
This is where the Boakai administration must tread carefully. Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council brings with it not just prestige but intense global scrutiny. The world is watching how we uphold — or undermine — the very principles we now claim to represent on the global stage. Chief among these is the rule of law — one of the central pillars of the President’s ARREST Agenda.
Rule of law is not rule by discretion. It requires that accusations be backed by evidence and that guilt be established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Let us not forget: the destruction of the Capitol was not simply an act of violence or vandalism — it was a direct assault on Liberia’s constitutional order. But equally dangerous would be the exploitation of this tragedy to silence political opposition or settle partisan scores.
If the charges are legitimate, then the prosecution must make its case in court with fairness, transparency, and professionalism. And if they are not — if any portion of this sweeping list of indictments is shown to be politically motivated or unfounded — it will backfire not only on the police but on the Boakai administration and the fragile institutions of justice in Liberia.
Meanwhile, talk of repairing or rebuilding the Capitol Building, with a reported price tag of US$1.8 million, must be put on hold. It is inappropriate and premature to begin negotiating public contracts for reconstruction while the ashes are still warm and the criminal investigation still fresh. Who authorized this cost estimate, and on what basis? Was the Liberia Chamber of Architects or another licensed body involved in producing a professional assessment? The public deserves answers — not assumptions.
This episode should also serve as a catalyst for reform. We need a forensic review not only of what caused the fire but of how the Legislature has been run. What safety standards were ignored? Why were lawmakers using private generators? Why were basic fire safety systems — such as extinguishers, alarms and security cameras — either insufficient or nonexistent?
What agencies were responsible for inspecting the building and maintaining compliance with fire and building codes? If the political chaos lit the match, then years of neglect prepared the kindling.
The Capitol fire has exposed the fragility of both our political and infrastructural institutions. It must not be swept aside with a few court cases and a cosmetic renovation. This is a moment of reckoning for Liberia. We must confront not only who is responsible, but what systems allowed it to happen.
To the Liberian people, this is your moment to demand transparency and accountability from every branch of government — not just the accused lawmakers. To the international community, your continued partnership must be matched by your insistence on justice and reform. And to the Government of Liberia, your credibility on the world stage now hinges on how you conduct yourselves in the days ahead.
Let the trials be fair. Let the facts speak. Let the law lead — and nothing else.
