Monrovia – The Authorities of Liberia, via its Joint Safety Council (JSC), has vowed to prosecute all people discovered culpable within the December 2024 fireplace that destroyed parts of the Capitol Constructing — no matter their political connections — as strain mounts over the delayed conclusion of the high-profile arson investigation.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The blaze, which erupted throughout a heated management disaster on the Home of Representatives, gutted the Joint Chambers and a number of other workplaces on the Capitol, Liberia’s official legislative seat.
A preliminary report by the Liberia Nationwide Fireplace Service (LNFS) confirmed that the incident was an act of arson. A number of suspects have been arrested and turned over to the courts.
Moreover, then-Home Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and lawmakers Abu Kamara and Dixon Seeboe have been summoned by the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) for questioning.
Almost six months later, the general public remains to be awaiting a conclusive report, prompting contemporary inquiries from lawmakers and civil society.
Police Inspector Common Gregory Coleman instructed the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, June 3, that the investigation stays lively and sophisticated.
“This can be a very delicate and high-profile investigation that requires numerous experience,” Coleman stated. “We’ve been fortunate. Luck was on our aspect. The capability that we’ve constructed through the years has additionally performed into this investigation. It’s effectively superior. I’m very pleased with the Joint Safety. This is likely one of the strongest instances in my complete profession.”
He promised impartiality within the last report and insisted that nobody will probably be shielded. “Completely nobody who’s concerned — no matter standing or political connection — will probably be excluded. Those that are accountable will probably be charged.”
Coleman disclosed that worldwide fireplace consultants have been introduced in to help, given the case’s delicate political backdrop and the necessity for transparency. He acknowledged public impatience, however urged Liberians to “give the police the prospect to do our job.”
“We try to be very cautious due to the state of affairs out of which this crime was birthed,” he famous. “We try to get rid of any try of disinformation that would point out any political nature—which, after all, shouldn’t be the actual fact.”
Coleman emphasised that costs already filed have been based mostly on stable proof and that investigators are pursuing further leads.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, additionally showing earlier than the Senate, admitted to delays however pressured that the investigation is “very far superior.”
“The prosecutorial arm of the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the LNP, is conducting a complete and detailed investigation. It has taken some time, however we’re making an attempt to be as meticulous as attainable to make sure that justice is served,” Tweh stated.
He assured that when the investigation is concluded, authorized motion would comply with. “We’re nonetheless doing what’s ongoing, however we are able to guarantee you that we’re doing our utmost to make sure that we now have gathered all of the proof and that different individuals who participated will probably be delivered to justice.”
When pressed for a definitive timeline, Tweh declined to offer a selected date however stated the probe is geared toward figuring out all actors concerned.
“There are different people linked to the crime and we have to conduct a correct investigation. That facet is ongoing. So, we should not have all of the perpetrators,” he stated. “We wish to have everyone collectively earlier than that investigation is closed conclusively.”
Tweh cautioned that some parts of the case should stay confidential to guard the integrity of the investigation. “The calling of names of the suspects would jeopardize the continuing investigation, thereby enabling them to arrange themselves for protection in court docket.”
Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County described the fireplace as an act of home terrorism, urging swift justice.
“Taxpayers are paying for the crime of some indignant people who find themselves reacting due to their mates’ disagreement with them,” Konneh stated. “This place—the Capitol—we’re presupposed to disagree. We got here right here to not agree.”
Konneh pressured that this can be a pivotal second for Liberia to display that it upholds the rule of regulation. “This can be a excellent alternative for the federal government to indicate that Liberia is a rustic of legal guidelines, not males.”
Minister Tweh stated the investigation is ongoing in an effort to “hyperlink others to the crime.” Whereas some suspects are already below the court docket’s jurisdiction, extra names could emerge as proof is reviewed.
“As we examine and the proof leads, we now have to ahead the proof, and perhaps extra individuals will probably be added. Others are being investigated,” he stated.
He additionally confirmed that U.S.-based fireplace consultants participated within the preliminary phases of the probe however reiterated that some info can not but be disclosed.
“We’re finalizing the investigation, and thereafter everyone, together with the Senate, will know precisely what occurred.”
Liberians proceed to await a full public report and additional authorized proceedings within the wake of what’s arguably one of the politically delicate prison instances within the nation’s latest historical past.
Till then, authorities officers say they’re targeted on guaranteeing that justice shouldn’t be solely achieved—however is seen to be achieved—with out worry or favor.
