By: Frank P Martin
MONROVIA: In a strong-worded press release, the opposition Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) has condemned what it described as a potential arson attack on the Capitol Building, the official seat of the Liberian Legislature.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The devastating fire destroyed the Joint Chamber of the Legislature, raising national concerns over the motives behind the incident.
The LPDP, through its National Vice Chair for Press and Public Affairs, George M. Woodtor, Sr., called for calm and adherence to the rule of law while urging the government to establish an independent investigative body.
This body, the LPDP suggests, should comprise civil society organizations, religious institutions, ECOWAS, and other international professional entities to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident.
The LPDP acknowledged the ongoing political crisis at the House of Representatives, particularly the controversy surrounding the removal of Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
While the party did not directly link the fire to the political impasse, it expressed concern over the potential for escalating tensions if the situation is not swiftly resolved through legal channels.
“We caution all parties to adhere to the rule of law in seeking redress in whatever concerns they may have,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for non-violent approaches in addressing disputes.
In addition to the fire incident, the LPDP also urged the government to investigate reports of police brutality against protesting citizens and alleged attacks on police officers by demonstrators during a protest on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
The party maintained a neutral stance, refraining from assigning blame but emphasized the importance of a credible investigation.
The LPDP reiterated its call for a national peace and reconciliation conference to address lingering divisions within the country. Citing the lasting scars of Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict, the party warned against any actions that could trigger further violence or instability.
“It has been 21 years since the conflict ended, yet the country and its population are still grappling with its harsh consequences,” the statement noted.
“The more than 250,000 lives lost and the thousands of valuable assets destroyed should remind us that violence is not the way forward for our collective good.”
The LPDP disclosed that it had formally recommended the organization of a national reconciliation conference to the three branches of government over four months ago but has yet to receive a response.
The party remains firm in its stance that such a conference is vital to fostering national unity and holistic Development.
As Liberia mourns the destruction of a critical national institution, the LPDP has called on the Boakai-led administration to prioritize national reconciliation and avoid further divisions.
The party concluded its statement with an appeal for unity and dialogue to chart a path forward for peace and development.
The incident has drawn widespread reactions from Liberians, with many expressing concerns about the safety and security of public institutions amidst ongoing political tensions.
President Boakai recently condemned the fire incident. However, citizens await decisive actions to restore calm and ensure justice
