Liberia's former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson related to a fire that completely destroyed the House of Representatives last December. This catastrophic incident unfolded just a day after heated protests erupted in Monrovia over plans to remove Koffa from his position.
Koffa had been embroiled in a political standoff, facing accusations of misconduct, poor governance, and corruption, leading to efforts for his impeachment. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing or link to the devastating fire.
According to local law enforcement, credible evidence suggests Koffa may have played a crucial role in orchestrating the fire, described by Police Chief Gregory Colman as a deliberate act of sabotage initiated as early as November. In connection with the investigation, five other lawmakers have also been detained.
On Friday, Koffa, along with several of his political associates, was called to the Liberian National Police headquarters as "persons of interest." Subsequently, he and three current representatives were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison.
The destructive fire on December 18, 2024, left the legislative joint chambers in ruins; however, it took place when there were no occupants within the building. The previous day had witnessed tensions flare as protestors, notably including an aide to ex-President George Weah, clashed over Koffa's potential impeachment.
Prominent representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly broadcast a threatening message online, hinting at the possibility of burning the chambers if provoked. An investigative team from the US confirmed that the fire was intentionally set.
Political instability has plagued Liberia's House of Representatives, as Koffa's impeachment bid did not reach the required two-thirds majority yet led to the appointment of a replacement speaker by dissenting lawmakers. In a move indicative of the ongoing strife, Koffa resigned from his position last month after enduring months of political deadlock.
Koffa had been embroiled in a political standoff, facing accusations of misconduct, poor governance, and corruption, leading to efforts for his impeachment. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing or link to the devastating fire.
According to local law enforcement, credible evidence suggests Koffa may have played a crucial role in orchestrating the fire, described by Police Chief Gregory Colman as a deliberate act of sabotage initiated as early as November. In connection with the investigation, five other lawmakers have also been detained.
On Friday, Koffa, along with several of his political associates, was called to the Liberian National Police headquarters as "persons of interest." Subsequently, he and three current representatives were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison.
The destructive fire on December 18, 2024, left the legislative joint chambers in ruins; however, it took place when there were no occupants within the building. The previous day had witnessed tensions flare as protestors, notably including an aide to ex-President George Weah, clashed over Koffa's potential impeachment.
Prominent representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly broadcast a threatening message online, hinting at the possibility of burning the chambers if provoked. An investigative team from the US confirmed that the fire was intentionally set.
Political instability has plagued Liberia's House of Representatives, as Koffa's impeachment bid did not reach the required two-thirds majority yet led to the appointment of a replacement speaker by dissenting lawmakers. In a move indicative of the ongoing strife, Koffa resigned from his position last month after enduring months of political deadlock.
