Liberia's former speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been formally charged with arson in connection to a catastrophic fire that razed the nation's legislative chambers. The blaze erupted in mid-December, just one day after Koffa faced protests over a move to impeach him from his position. Political tensions have surged in Monrovia, with a faction of lawmakers voting against Koffa due to allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
Local police reported credible evidence linking Koffa to the incident, revealing that he was reportedly "strategically involved" in orchestrating the fire. As a result, Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses including arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder. According to Police Chief Gregory Colman, Koffa and his staff allegedly coordinated efforts to sabotage the House starting as early as November 2023.
Following the fire, which took place on December 18, 2024, five other lawmakers were detained as part of the investigation. The blaze destroyed the chambers when no lawmakers were inside. Highlighting the intense atmosphere leading up to the fire, the day prior had seen protests against Koffa's potential removal, including the arrest of a former president's aide.
Adding to the controversy, Representative Frank Saah Foko, known for his vocal opposition, reportedly made a statement on social media suggesting violent reprisals could follow the impeachment efforts. An independent investigation team from the U.S. ultimately determined that the fire was deliberately set.
The power struggle within Liberia's legislature has been ongoing, with an impeachment effort against Koffa failing to secure the necessary votes. Recently, he stepped down from his role as speaker amid this political turmoil.
