Charges against Jonathan Fonati Koffa highlight ongoing issues in Liberia's legislative body.
**Liberia's Former Speaker Faces Arson Charges Linked to Parliament Fire**
**Liberia's Former Speaker Faces Arson Charges Linked to Parliament Fire**
Charges follow a devastating blaze at the House of Representatives amid political turmoil.
Liberia's former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson concerning a significant fire that engulfed the nation's House of Representatives last December. The massive blaze erupted shortly after violent protests in Monrovia concerning Koffa’s potential removal from his position, following a series of accusations including poor governance and corruption.
Local police have stated that they possess "credible links" indicating that Koffa played a strategic role in the incident, which led to the destruction of the legislative building. Reports suggest that Koffa and several other lawmakers had been involved in coordinated sabotage activities leading up to the fire. On Friday, police charged Koffa with multiple offenses such as arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder, further intensifying the ongoing political crisis in Liberia.
Koffa has publicly denied any involvement in the fire, which occurred on December 18, 2024, when no individuals were present inside the building. The day prior, protests erupted in opposition to his leadership, which had already been marred by multiple calls for impeachment within the House of Representatives.
Additionally, Koffa and several lawmakers were reportedly brought in for questioning by authorities as part of the investigation into the fire. Notably, Representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly made a social media statement suggesting a willingness to see the chambers burned if necessary. An independent investigation from the U.S. has suggested that the fire was set intentionally.
The political landscape in Liberia has been complicated, as attempts to impeach Koffa in October did not achieve the required majority. However, the faction of lawmakers advocating for his ousting proceeded to appoint a new speaker. Koffa ultimately resigned last month, reflecting a prolonged struggle for power within Liberia's legislative body.
Local police have stated that they possess "credible links" indicating that Koffa played a strategic role in the incident, which led to the destruction of the legislative building. Reports suggest that Koffa and several other lawmakers had been involved in coordinated sabotage activities leading up to the fire. On Friday, police charged Koffa with multiple offenses such as arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder, further intensifying the ongoing political crisis in Liberia.
Koffa has publicly denied any involvement in the fire, which occurred on December 18, 2024, when no individuals were present inside the building. The day prior, protests erupted in opposition to his leadership, which had already been marred by multiple calls for impeachment within the House of Representatives.
Additionally, Koffa and several lawmakers were reportedly brought in for questioning by authorities as part of the investigation into the fire. Notably, Representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly made a social media statement suggesting a willingness to see the chambers burned if necessary. An independent investigation from the U.S. has suggested that the fire was set intentionally.
The political landscape in Liberia has been complicated, as attempts to impeach Koffa in October did not achieve the required majority. However, the faction of lawmakers advocating for his ousting proceeded to appoint a new speaker. Koffa ultimately resigned last month, reflecting a prolonged struggle for power within Liberia's legislative body.
