When the year is climaxing, many incidents could characterize moments for Liberia as a nation, but this paper’s editorial measured one most unparalleled event that needed to be highlighted under the year in review.
Liberia has witnessed some most unprecedented and memorable moments but in 2024 among events recounted was witnessing the sacred building that house the first branch of government in flames. Though one may say. It was the Rotunda and the Joint Chamber but those are strategic portions of the historic building.
Liberians, including foreign residents, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, awoke to a fussy flaming fire that carelessly soaked the middle of the building that carries so much power and prestige in the midst of political wrangling hidden by greed, deception and vested interest.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the flames at about 6:02 A.M which lasted till the break of dawn with firefighters struggling to contain the spread; an attempted that extended to the closure of the passport division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs temporarily.
It is still believed to be the doing of an unknown individual(s), though those suspected are being questioned, there are still much more widespread condemnations and furry of accusations among the public and deeply rooted beef between lawmakers.
However, there was a preceding incident that occurred just when the police used tear gas to disperse protesters at a planned demonstration and that raised more questions about the motives behind the fire outbreak thereby pointing fingers towards some political figures.
The incident adds to the already volatile political climate in Liberia, where divisions within the Legislature, precisely the House of Representatives, where majority lawmakers are pushing for the removal of Fonati Koffa as Speaker amidst public discontentment.
Authorities have since assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and have called for patience as they work to determine the cause of this devastating incident, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.
It was also reported during the day that three persons were in police custody, undergoing investigation after reportedly being caught in the office of Representatives Frank Saah Foko, while other discoveries were a clora bottle containing liquid suspected to be gas.
Rep. Foko, a staunch member of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) was also invited by the Police as ‘person of interest’ over his threatening remark made in June of this year, to burn down the legislative session if his colleagues failed to work in the interest of citizenry.
Also, President Joseph Boakai, visiting the Capitol following the fire disaster, condemned the fire incident, and warned, “This act is unacceptable and we are not going to accept this or any form of gangsterism.”
He emphasized that the Legislature represents an infrastructure that reflects the democratic will of the people and should not be a target for violence, and cautioned, “The Legislature is not for hooligans; it’s for responsible people.”
The President also vowed that the government would not tolerate acts of violence and destruction, with an assurance of his commitment to maintaining peace and order in Liberia, thereby calling on the citizenry to respect democratic institutions at all times.
“We are not going to accept this. We are asking the Minister of Justice and all the security apparatus to investigate this letter. People who are culprits, we will deal with them in accordance with the law of this country.
“And moving forward, there will be no more room for violence or lawlessness, because we will set the tone for all other people who, when they get angry, destroy. We are not going to allow this to repeat itself under my leadership,” the President assured.
Also remarking during the inspection of the building, Speaker Fonati Koffa expressed his sorrow over the devastation, with a call for immediate investigation aimed at bringing the culprits to book.
Montserrado County District 11 Representative, Richard Koon, applauded the emergency response from the joint security and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS).
The historical Capitol Building was constructed and dedicated in 1956, during the tenure of William R. Tolbert, Jr. as vice president and president of the Senate. Its construction was financed by the Liberians taxes, as the cornerstone for the building was laid in 1949, during the presidency of William V.S. Tubman.
Tubman’s administration introduced the Five-Year Development Plan, a comprehensive strategy to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure and governance. In his 1945 annual message to the legislature, Tubman emphasized the need for economic self-reliance.
He declared that Liberia could not depend solely on borrowing or surplus reserves to fund its ambitions. Instead, he called for a systematic approach to economic development, tailored to Liberia’s unique needs.
To finance these grand plans, Tubman implemented measures like the Centenary Tax and a 15% surtax. These funds were earmarked for key projects that symbolized Liberia’s progress, including the construction of the Centennial Pavilion, the renovation of the Executive Mansion (both on Ashmun Street), and ultimately, the Temple of Justice and the Capitol.
The acquisition of land on Camp Johnson Hill for the Capitol and other public buildings was a critical step in executing this vision. Also, Tubman estimated that the cost of both the Capitol and the Temple of Justice would cost about US$200,000 each.
The annexes of the building, funded by Chinese government construction work, however started during the Administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and were completed and dedicated by former President George Weah.
The Capitol, which was envisioned as a symbol of democracy, national unity, and progress, has been central to Liberia’s legislative governance for decades, housing debates, decisions, and policies that have shaped the country.
In the meantime, the Legislature has already allotted US$1.8 million in the FY2025 budget for its renovation purpose amidst the ongoing investigation of the burning of the building by the government through the joint security.
China Cancels Liberia’s US$6.5 M Debt
One of the most remarkable events recalled was the decision by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to cancel a US$6.5 million debt owed by Liberia.
This debt represented default interest, and its cancellation served as a significant relief for the country.
The announcement highlighted China’s commitment to fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties with Liberia, especially at a time when the nation needed financial flexibility for its development agenda.
This gesture was more than just a financial move, it was a testament to the importance of international cooperation and goodwill.
The cancellation does not only strengthen the bond between Liberia and China but also gave Liberia an opportunity to redirect resources toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
indeed, this event stands out as a clear example of how partnerships between nations can make a meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
The rescinding of individuals to public offices in the first six months of governance:
One of the most memorable things under the Joseph Boakai’s government is the appointment and rescindment of appointee for no justifiable reason(s). one of those who fell prey to such pushing around is Jonathan Massaquoi.
On January 24, 2024, President Boakai appointed Massaquoi as his first Minister of Justice, but rescinded the appointment of his Minister Massaquoi and reappointed him Executive Director of the War and Economic Crimes Court on June 19, 2024.
On August 15, 2024, Liberian President Joseph Boakai unexpectedly rescinded his decision appointing Jonathan Massaquoi as the head of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) Office and called for its reconstitution.
Before the August 15 Press Statement, an earlier statement was released reaffirming the President’s confidence in Massaquoi, despite opposition by civil society leaders, the Liberia National Bar Association and National Orator for Independence Day on July 26, 2024.
Another was Cooper Kruah who was nominated to replace Massaquoi but again was recalled and later transferred to the Ministry of Labor. Others were Alexander Amnon who was appointed Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia Broadcasting System but was then transferred while Emmanuel Wenyou and Sorbor George among others faced similar embarrassment.
Meanwhile, in September 2024, Liberia faced a significant security incident when 47 inmates escaped from the Kakata Maximum Security Prison in the central part of the country. This event raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s prison system, its ability to prevent escapes, and broader issues of law enforcement and security management.
The escape occurred during the early morning hours, with reports indicating that the prisoners managed to break out by overpowering guards and breaching the prison walls.
The authorities quickly launched a manhunt to apprehend the escapees, but many were still at large for days afterward. This incident drew attention to the poor state of Liberia’s correctional facilities, many of which have long been criticized for overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and underfunding.
Following the escape, the Liberian government faced increased pressure to reform the justice and prison systems to prevent future incidents.
Experts pointed out the need for improved security measures, better training for correctional officers, and investments in infrastructure to prevent similar escapes. The escape also highlighted the ongoing challenges Liberia faces in terms of maintaining public safety and ensuring that its penal institutions are capable of securely holding dangerous criminals.
