Liberia’s ex‑speaker charged with arson in parliament fire as political crisis deepens
Liberia’s former Speaker of the House of Representatives has been charged with multiple criminal offenses, including arson and attempted murder, following a fire that destroyed the West African nation’s legislative chambers last December. Police allege that Jonathan Fonati Koffa was "strategically involved" in the blaze, which erupted amid growing political tensions in Monrovia.
Key Information:
- Criminal Charges Filed: Former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa has been formally charged with arson, attempted murder, and criminal mischief over the December 2024 fire that gutted Liberia’s legislature.
- Broader Investigation: Police say Koffa used his office to "coordinate sabotage," and five additional lawmakers are also under investigation.
- Political Backdrop: The charges follow months of protests and power struggles in Liberia’s parliament, with Koffa’s leadership at the center of the impasse.
- Ongoing Unrest: The fire came just a day after violent protests erupted over attempts to oust Koffa, fueling speculation of political motivations behind the incident.
- Rule of Law Concerns: A Supreme Court ruling failed to resolve the parliamentary deadlock, and international observers worry the crisis could undermine democratic institutions.
The fire occurred on December 18, 2024, just one day after plans to remove Koffa from his leadership role led to chaotic protests in the capital. The incident destroyed the entire joint chambers of Liberia’s legislature, though no casualties were reported. At the time, Koffa denied any involvement, but Liberia’s police chief Gregory Colman now claims that the former Speaker used his official capacity to orchestrate sabotage as early as November 2023.
Alongside Koffa, at least five other lawmakers have been detained for questioning. One of them, Representative Frank Saah Foko, allegedly posted a video on Facebook saying, "If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it." Authorities say this statement—made just days before the fire—has drawn intense scrutiny. Koffa, Foko, and three others have since been remanded to Monrovia Central Prison.
The charges deepen a constitutional and political crisis in Liberia, where a faction of lawmakers has long accused Koffa of corruption and financial misconduct. Though an October impeachment effort failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, tensions continued to rise, culminating in rival legislative sessions, violent protests, and a judicial stalemate. In January, Koffa officially resigned as Speaker, but the controversy has not subsided.
A team of U.S. investigators brought in to assess the cause of the fire concluded that it was deliberately set. Local authorities have offered a $5,000 reward for additional information, while President Joseph Boakai has instructed security agencies to conduct a full investigation. The Liberia National Fire Service believes flammable substances—possibly petrol or chemicals—were used to start the blaze.
Observers say the incident could have lasting implications for Liberia’s fragile democracy. "The situation at the Capitol represents an epic political battle to which the rule of law has all but succumbed," said Gerald Yeakula of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia. With the legislature’s ability to pass a budget on hold, and public trust eroding, international partners are closely monitoring how the crisis unfolds.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC News.
