Liberian Radio Station Razed in Suspected Arson Attack Amid Political, FGM Coverage

Voinjama, Liberia – Radio Kintoma, a prominent community radio station in northern Liberia’s Lofa County, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of April 23, 2024, in what is suspected to be an arson attack.

According to station manager Tokpa Tarnue, neighbors alerted him at around 4 a.m. that the station building was on fire. By the time he arrived, the offices and everything inside had been completely destroyed.

Tarnue stated that while the station had not received any direct threats, he and his employees believe the fire was deliberately set in retaliation for their recent reporting. Radio Kintoma had been involved in a heated broadcast dispute with supporters of a local politician and had also covered the controversial issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), which remains a sensitive topic in Liberia.

The station primarily relies on solar power, and its electric generator was turned off at the time of the incident, leading Tarnue to rule out an electrical fault as the cause of the fire. “The station did not have power when the fire began, so this was not an accident,” Tarnue told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Press Union of Liberia, a local media trade group, condemned the incident, referring to it as an “arson attack” and calling for a thorough investigation.

Liberian authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire or make any arrests, but media rights advocates are urging swift action to ensure press freedom is upheld in the country.

Radio Kintoma has been a vital source of information in Lofa County, covering local news, governance, and human rights issues. The destruction of the station has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Liberia.

As investigations continue, Tarnue and his team are calling on the government and media organizations to support efforts to rebuild the station and hold those responsible accountable.