Published: May 30, 2025
CAPITOL HILL — Gbarpolu County Sen. Amara M. Konneh, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, has called on the Liberian Senate to summon the Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police and Liberia National Fire Service to explain the delay in releasing the final report on the December 2024 Capitol Building fire.
The blaze, which occurred on Dec. 18, 2024, destroyed the joint chambers of the Capitol Building during a tense leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.
Preliminary findings by the Liberia National Police, with support from foreign fire investigators, indicated that arson was the likely cause. Several individuals were identified early in the investigation as persons of interest. But nearly six months later, no final report has been made public, raising public concern and intensifying demands for transparency and accountability.
In the 2025 national budget, $1.8 million has been allocated for the renovation of the Capitol Building. The appropriation followed recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, chaired by Bong County Sen. Prince K. Moye, who emphasized the symbolic and functional importance of the structure.
In a formal communication to the Senate plenary on Thursday, May 29, Konneh urged his colleagues to back his request for an appearance by the relevant institutions to provide a detailed update on the investigation.
“The Capitol Building — our workplace — suffered significant damage from that fire, and it is crucial that we address this matter urgently,” Konneh told plenary.
He acknowledged that fire investigations can be complex, but said five months should have been sufficient time for authorities to conclude and release their findings.
“To address the concerns expressed by our constituents during constituency visits, we need clarity on whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault or a deliberate act of arson,” he said.
Konneh added that both lawmakers and the public deserve full disclosure about what he described as a destructive and historic incident. He emphasized the urgency of restoring the joint chambers to a safe and functional condition.
A Troubling Parallel
Sen. Konneh also drew a comparison to the fire that gutted the Executive Mansion — the official residence of the Liberian presidency — on July 26, 2006, shortly after the country’s return to democratic governance.
“Despite over $80 million reportedly spent on renovations, the Executive Mansion is still under construction nearly two decades later,” he said.
“I remember when I was Minister of Finance, I disbursed the first $35 million for that project,” he added. “Now, the people’s house — the Capitol Building — has also been destroyed by fire.”
Konneh noted that the cause of the Executive Mansion fire was never publicly disclosed, with no one held accountable. He warned that the same fate must not befall the Capitol Building.
“We all saw the Capitol in flames — that’s where the president addresses us and the nation. This is not something to take lightly,” he said.
Expressing frustration, Konneh urged lawmakers to demand answers rather than rely on speculation and rumors.
“A lot is being said about this incident, but as national leaders, we are advised not to respond to every rumor. This is why we need the responsible institutions to appear before plenary and provide facts, so the Legislature and Executive can work together to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
Senate Action
Following a motion by Sen. Moye, the Senate unanimously endorsed Konneh’s request. The Senate Secretariat has been directed to issue formal invitations to the Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police and Liberia National Fire Service to appear before the plenary at a date yet to be determined.
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