The December 18, 2024, fire at the Capitol Building sent shockwaves across the country, exposing vulnerabilities in security protocols and institutional accountability. Preliminary findings from the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) have ruled out an electrical short as the cause, pointing instead to arson. However, while these reports provide a starting point, their limitations and the pace of the investigation leave much to be questioned.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s revelation that an accelerant, likely petroleum, fuelled the fire underlines this attack’s deliberate and premeditated nature. His assertion that the flames originated from multiple points strengthens the argument for sabotage. Yet, despite such damning evidence, the investigation has stalled at identifying “individuals of interest” and making arrests that appear tenuous at best. Some suspects have already been released due to insufficient evidence, raising doubts about the thoroughness and direction of the investigation.
The discovery of a petroleum container at the scene is significant, but it also highlights a glaring gap in initial security measures. How could such materials be introduced into one of the nation’s most secure buildings? This points to a failure not only in preventive measures but also in immediate response protocols. The lack of operational surveillance systems or on-site personnel capable of detecting and averting such threats is inexcusable.
Moreover, the police’s approach to transparency has been inconsistent. While the public has been informed of preliminary findings, the absence of a comprehensive report nearly three weeks after the incident has fuelled speculation. Citizens are left to wonder whether the delay is due to genuine thoroughness or bureaucratic inefficiency. The government must recognize that prolonged silence risks eroding trust in the investigative process, particularly when the country’s legislative seat has been targeted.
The arson theory raises further questions about the government’s capacity to uphold the rule of law without bias. Inspector General Coleman’s warning that the culprits “know their actions” and must cooperate could easily be interpreted as a veiled threat rather than a commitment to due process. The investigation must remain impartial, evidence-based, and free from political interference to avoid the perception of witch-hunting opponents. A rushed or politically motivated prosecution would do more harm than good, undermining public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
This incident also exposes broader systemic issues. Fire safety measures across public institutions remain woefully inadequate, as evidenced by the Capitol Building’s apparent lack of fire prevention infrastructure. This negligence is symptomatic of a governance culture that prioritizes reaction over prevention. If the Capitol—a symbol of national governance—could be so easily compromised, what does this say about the state of other vital infrastructure?
The investigation must be a turning point for Liberia’s national security and institutional resilience approach. The government must hold the perpetrators accountable and address the structural failures that allowed this attack to occur. This includes reviewing security protocols, implementing advanced fire prevention systems, and ensuring that such measures are consistently enforced.
The Capitol Building fire is not merely a tragic event but a critical test of Liberia’s democratic integrity. The government’s response will determine whether the country emerges stronger or sinks into further mistrust and insecurity. As the investigation continues, the authorities must prioritize transparency, impartiality, and the rule of law. The Liberian people deserve answers—not just to who committed this crime but also to why such an act was even possible.
This editorial stresses the urgent need for accountability and reform by critically analyzing the police reports and addressing their shortcomings. The fire at the Capitol Building should serve as a rallying cry for systemic change, not just in response to this incident but also in safeguarding Liberia’s democratic future.
