MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate has summoned top government security and emergency response officials to provide a full account of the ongoing investigation into the fire that ravaged the Capitol Building in December 2024. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Senate Plenary instructed its Secretary to officially invite Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweah, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, and the Director of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr., to appear before the body on Tuesday, June 3.
The Senate’s decision followed a communication from Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, who formally called on the legislative body to seek clarity on the cause of the blaze that gutted the Joint Chambers nearly six months ago. In his letter, Senator Konneh stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, noting that “five months should have been sufficient to conduct a thorough investigation.”
“The Capitol Building suffered significant damage,” Konneh stated, “and in order to address growing concerns from our constituents, we need to establish whether this fire was the result of an electrical fault or deliberate arson.” His call resonated with the Plenary, leading Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye to put forth a motion that was unanimously endorsed.
The fire, which erupted around 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, sent thick plumes of smoke into the Monrovia skyline and triggered widespread speculation about its origin. While no fatalities were reported, the inferno caused extensive structural damage and disrupted legislative operations for weeks.
Emergency responders from the Liberia National Fire Service arrived swiftly to combat the flames, but the damage to the Joint Chambers was already extensive. The incident exposed glaring weaknesses in the security and maintenance of one of the country’s most critical government institutions.
Nearly half a year later, with no official public report on the cause of the blaze, lawmakers are demanding concrete answers. Tuesday’s hearing is expected to shed light on findings from the Justice Ministry, the Liberia National Police, and the Fire Service, three agencies charged with determining the circumstances that led to one of the most alarming security breaches at the Capitol in recent history.
The Capitol Building, a national symbol and seat of legislative power, remains under partial repair. Lawmakers are hopeful that the upcoming briefing will finally provide the clarity the nation has been waiting for.
