Fire Engulfs Liberia’s Parliament Amid Protests
Emergency services in Liberia battled a fire at the parliament building in Monrovia on Wednesday as opposition protests entered their second day. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but President Joseph Boakai, who visited the site, condemned the “wanton destruction” and ordered an immediate investigation.
The protests, sparked by attempts to remove Speaker Konati Koffa over alleged corruption, have intensified political tensions. Demonstrators are demanding both Koffa’s removal and the resignation of President Boakai. On Tuesday, police arrested dozens of protesters and used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
This is the second fire at the parliament building in a week, though no connection between the incidents has been confirmed. Local media reported that police detained suspects near the building when the fire broke out. Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of the unrest.
Ooohhh no!!!
— Agbeja Ifedapo (@Ifeagbeja) December 18, 2024
The Liberia Capitol building is on Fire!!!
With the recent happenings and the Supreme court judgement last week, this doesn't look like an accident. pic.twitter.com/KJbFIAfPhz
The crisis has stalled governance, with parliament deadlocked over removing Koffa, a member of the opposition, as the speaker. Without the two-thirds majority needed for his removal, critical decisions, including passing the national budget, remain unresolved.