MONROVIA, Liberia — A fire broke out at the parliament building in Liberia on Wednesday, prompting strong condemnation from the president regarding the extensive damage. Currently, there is no definitive link established between the fire and the ongoing anti-government demonstrations taking place in the capital city.

The protests in Liberia ignited on Tuesday, primarily fueled by public outrage over the decision to oust the parliament speaker, who is affiliated with an opposition party and is facing corruption allegations. Demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of President Joseph Boakai.

Officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the fire in Monrovia. Police Chief Gragray Coleman stated that the possibility of arson has not been dismissed.

Reports from local media indicate that at least four individuals have been detained for questioning, including the ousted parliament speaker and Representative Frank Foko, who had previously made remarks suggesting he would “burn down” the parliament chambers during a recent discussion.

On Tuesday, law enforcement arrested numerous protesters and deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse the gathering crowds.

These demonstrations follow months of escalating unease surrounding the potential removal of House of Representatives Speaker Konati Koffa. According to Liberian laws, a two-thirds majority vote in the house is required to remove the speaker. Failure to achieve this has left parliament in a stalemate, hindering the government’s ability to pass the annual budget.