Liberia’s former speaker charged for orchestrating parliament fire
Police in Monrovia announced on Friday that Koffa is suspected of playing a central role in the incident, which destroyed the joint chambers of the legislature on 18 December 2024.
In a dramatic twist to Liberia’s ongoing political crisis, former Speaker of Parliament Jonathan Fonati Koffa has been formally charged with arson and other criminal offences linked to the devastating fire that gutted the House of Representatives last December.
Police in Monrovia announced on Friday that Koffa is suspected of playing a central role in the incident, which destroyed the joint chambers of the legislature on 18 December 2024. The charges against him include arson, criminal mischief, attempted murder, and endangering public safety.
According to Police Chief Gregory Colman, investigators found "credible links" tying Koffa to a coordinated plan of sabotage. Evidence reportedly suggests that he used his office and personal staff to plan the attack, with activity traced back to as early as November 2023.
Five other lawmakers are also in custody over their alleged involvement in the case. Among them is Representative Frank Saah Foko, who is accused of inciting violence in a Facebook video where he declared, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.”
Koffa, along with several lawmakers, was summoned for questioning on Friday and later detained at Monrovia Central Prison, as confirmed by FrontPage Africa. Local media outlets say their arrests come amid growing public demands for justice and accountability.
The fire broke out one day after fierce protests erupted over a plan to oust Koffa from the speaker's position. Though an earlier attempt to impeach him fell short of the two-thirds majority required, 47 lawmakers moved ahead with appointing an alternative speaker, deepening the legislative rift.
Koffa, once a key ally of former President George Weah, has denied any connection to the fire. However, the conclusions of an independent U.S. investigative team — which determined the blaze was deliberately set — have bolstered the police case.
The political turmoil within Liberia’s legislature has persisted for months, marked by rival leadership claims and deep factionalism. After months of gridlock, Koffa stepped down from the speakership last month, ending a contentious chapter in Liberian parliamentary politics.
As the case unfolds, it is poised to have far-reaching implications for governance, accountability, and the rule of law in the West African nation.
