Liberia’s former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson in connection with a fire that severely damaged the House of Representatives. The fire broke out on December 18, 2024, just a day after protests erupted over attempts to remove Koffa from his position.
The situation escalated after Koffa faced impeachment votes in October, with lawmakers accusing him of poor governance and corruption. Although the impeachment effort did not succeed, tensions remained high, leading to protests in the capital, Monrovia.
Local police reported that they found credible evidence linking Koffa to the fire. They claim he was "strategically involved" and used his office to coordinate actions against the parliament starting in November. Along with Koffa, five other lawmakers have also been detained as part of the investigation.
Police Chief Gregory Colman detailed that Koffa faces several charges, including arson and attempted murder. The fire destroyed the entire chambers of the legislature, but fortunately, no one was inside at the time.
The day before the fire, protests had turned tense, with demonstrators calling for Koffa’s removal. Notably, a video surfaced on social media where Representative Frank Saah Foko suggested burning the chambers if necessary.
An independent team of U.S. investigators concluded that the fire was deliberately set, raising serious concerns about the political climate in Liberia. The House of Representatives has been embroiled in a power struggle for some time, with Koffa resigning last month amid ongoing political deadlock.
As the investigation continues, Koffa and several lawmakers remain in custody, and the implications of this incident could have lasting effects on Liberia’s political landscape.