The arrest and charging of Jonathan Fonati Koffa highlight ongoing tensions within Liberia's government, as he is accused of orchestrating the arson linked to a political crisis, coinciding with protests over his impeachment. Additional lawmakers have also been detained as the investigation unfolds.
Liberia's Former Speaker Faces Arson Charges Linked to Capitol Fire
Liberia's Former Speaker Faces Arson Charges Linked to Capitol Fire
Jonathan Fonati Koffa, the ex-speaker of Liberia's parliament, has been charged with arson amid investigations into a fire that devastated the Capitol building.
Liberia's former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson following a significant fire that engulfed the nation's House of Representatives. The fire, which occurred last December, was ignited just one day after protests erupted in the capital, Monrovia, sparked by plans to remove Koffa from his position. The former speaker has been embroiled in ongoing conflicts with political opponents, leading to a vote for his impeachment in October driven by allegations of poor governance and corruption.
Local police announced on Friday that evidence suggests Koffa was "strategically involved" in the fire, which destroyed the legislative chambers. Alongside Koffa, five other lawmakers have also been detained as part of the investigation. Charges against Koffa include arson, criminal mischief, endangering lives, and attempted murder, with Police Chief Gregory Colman stating that Koffa allegedly coordinated efforts to sabotage the parliament from as early as November 2023.
Both Koffa and several lawmakers were summoned to the police headquarters on Friday as "persons of interest." Following this, Koffa and three current representatives were remanded to prison. The devastating blaze occurred on December 18, 2024, when the building was empty, and investigators suggested it was deliberately set; a claim supported by findings from independent U.S. investigators.
The parliament has experienced prolonged power struggles recently. Although Koffa managed to evade impeachment due to a lack of a two-thirds majority, a faction of legislators appointed a new speaker independently. Recently, Koffa resigned amid ongoing political standoffs. The escalating conflict emphasizes the fragile political landscape in Liberia, as various factions vie for control and influence within the legislative assembly.
Local police announced on Friday that evidence suggests Koffa was "strategically involved" in the fire, which destroyed the legislative chambers. Alongside Koffa, five other lawmakers have also been detained as part of the investigation. Charges against Koffa include arson, criminal mischief, endangering lives, and attempted murder, with Police Chief Gregory Colman stating that Koffa allegedly coordinated efforts to sabotage the parliament from as early as November 2023.
Both Koffa and several lawmakers were summoned to the police headquarters on Friday as "persons of interest." Following this, Koffa and three current representatives were remanded to prison. The devastating blaze occurred on December 18, 2024, when the building was empty, and investigators suggested it was deliberately set; a claim supported by findings from independent U.S. investigators.
The parliament has experienced prolonged power struggles recently. Although Koffa managed to evade impeachment due to a lack of a two-thirds majority, a faction of legislators appointed a new speaker independently. Recently, Koffa resigned amid ongoing political standoffs. The escalating conflict emphasizes the fragile political landscape in Liberia, as various factions vie for control and influence within the legislative assembly.
