Fire Breaks Out in Liberian Parliament Amid Ongoing Protests
Liberian Parliament on Flames, Dec 18, 2024 Photo: @mawulidake
December 18, 2024 Hour: 7:35 pm
Emergency services in Liberia are currently battling a fire that erupted in the parliament building on Wednesday, coinciding with opposition protests that have entered their second day.
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The cause of the fire, which occurred in the capital city of Monrovia, has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
President Joseph Boakai visited the scene and condemned what he described as the “wanton destruction” occurring in the country. He has ordered an investigation into the incident.
The protests are primarily aimed at removing Konati Koffa, the speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives, who is facing allegations of corruption. Demonstrators are also calling for President Boakai to resign.
On Tuesday, police took action against protesters, arresting dozens and deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. This marks the second time within a week that the parliament building has caught fire; however, there is no indication that these incidents are related.
Local media reports indicate that police have arrested several suspects who were present when the latest fire broke out. The unrest follows months of tension regarding Koffa’s potential removal from office due to alleged corrupt practices.
According to Liberian law, a two-thirds majority vote in the House is required to remove the speaker, but without sufficient support, parliament remains deadlocked, hindering the government’s ability to pass its annual budget.
As tensions continue to rise in Liberia, both government officials and citizens are grappling with the implications of these protests and their impact on governance and stability in the country.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
