Former Liberian Speaker Faces Arson Charges Linked to Capitol Fire

Jonathan Fonati Koffa, former speaker of Liberia's parliament, is charged with arson following a fire that destroyed the House of Representatives in December, amid an impeachment struggle.

Liberia's former parliamentary speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been formally charged with arson in connection to a destructive fire that ravaged the nation's House of Representatives last December, according to local police reporting. This massive inferno erupted just a day after protests were ignited over the move to oust Koffa, who had faced serious allegations including poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest.

Despite his previous assertions of having no involvement in the fire's outbreak, police announced on Friday that substantial evidence suggests Koffa may have played a "strategic role" in this incident. His charges encompass several serious offenses including arson and attempted murder. Koffa has allegedly been coordinating efforts to undermine parliamentary proceedings since November 2023, as confirmed by Chief of Police Gregory Colman.

In the wake of Koffa's indictment, five additional lawmakers have also been detained for their suspected involvement in the case. Following a police summons, Koffa, along with three sitting representatives, has been remanded to Monrovia Central Prison, signaling the depth of the inquiry.

The catastrophic blaze on December 18, 2024, obliterated the legislative chambers of Liberia without any casualties, as the building was unoccupied at the time. Vicious protests occurred the day prior to the fire, challenging Koffa's continued leadership. Notably, Representative Frank Saah Foko sparked controversy by posting a provocative Facebook video suggesting a violent response if Koffa were removed.

U.S. investigators participating in the inquiry concluded that the fire was indeed set intentionally, further complicating matters in an already tumultuous political atmosphere. The ongoing struggle for power within Liberia's House of Representatives worsened recently with Koffa's resignation amid enduring political impasse, leaving the legislative process mired in uncertainty.