Former Speaker of Liberia's House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson in connection to a devastating fire that destroyed the nation's legislative chambers last December. The incident took place just a day after protests erupted regarding plans to remove Koffa from his position, following a series of accusations that included corruption and mismanagement.
Local police announced on Friday that they had identified "credible links" suggesting Koffa's strategic involvement in the fire. Along with Koffa, five additional lawmakers have been detained in relation to the investigation. Police Chief Gregory Colman confirmed that Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder, indicating that he had ostensibly coordinated efforts to sabotage the House.
On Saturday, Koffa and three other lawmakers were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison after being summoned for questioning. The blaze, which consumed the entire joint chambers of Liberia's legislature on December 18, 2024, occurred at a time of heightened tension in the political arena, particularly since no one was present during the fire.
The day before the fire, protests ensued against Koffa's impending impeachment, leading to arrests including that of a former president's aide. A notable figure in the House, Representative Frank Saah Foko, allegedly stated in a video, "If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it." An independent investigation conducted by a U.S. team concluded that the fire was indeed set deliberately, further complicating the political landscape that has been marked by a long-standing power struggle.
While the impeachment bid against Koffa did not achieve the required majority, the coalition of 47 lawmakers who sought his removal appointed their own speaker. Following months of political turmoil, Koffa resigned from his speaker role last month as the conflict within the House of Representatives intensified.
Local police announced on Friday that they had identified "credible links" suggesting Koffa's strategic involvement in the fire. Along with Koffa, five additional lawmakers have been detained in relation to the investigation. Police Chief Gregory Colman confirmed that Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder, indicating that he had ostensibly coordinated efforts to sabotage the House.
On Saturday, Koffa and three other lawmakers were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison after being summoned for questioning. The blaze, which consumed the entire joint chambers of Liberia's legislature on December 18, 2024, occurred at a time of heightened tension in the political arena, particularly since no one was present during the fire.
The day before the fire, protests ensued against Koffa's impending impeachment, leading to arrests including that of a former president's aide. A notable figure in the House, Representative Frank Saah Foko, allegedly stated in a video, "If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it." An independent investigation conducted by a U.S. team concluded that the fire was indeed set deliberately, further complicating the political landscape that has been marked by a long-standing power struggle.
While the impeachment bid against Koffa did not achieve the required majority, the coalition of 47 lawmakers who sought his removal appointed their own speaker. Following months of political turmoil, Koffa resigned from his speaker role last month as the conflict within the House of Representatives intensified.
