Liberia’s ex-speaker charged with arson over parliament fire

Liberia’s Former Speaker Charged with Arson After Parliament Fire

Ex-House Speaker Jonathan Koffa faces arson and attempted murder charges over the December blaze that gutted Liberia’s legislative chambers.

Political Turmoil Turns Criminal: Koffa Accused of Sabotage

Liberian police have charged former Speaker of Parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, with arson and multiple related crimes in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the House of Representatives chamber in December 2024. The charges mark a dramatic escalation in the country’s deepening political crisis, which has plagued its legislature for months.

Police say Koffa’s actions were part of a coordinated effort to undermine the institution following his near-impeachment. The allegations come amid long-standing accusations of poor leadership, corruption, and internal conflict among lawmakers.

A Blaze That Shook the Nation

The fire broke out on 18 December 2024, gutting the joint chambers of Liberia’s legislature in Monrovia. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time. The blaze occurred just a day after a major protest erupted over plans to remove Koffa from office. Demonstrators, including associates of former President George Weah, clashed with security forces, and arrests were made.

According to authorities, the fire was not an accident. Independent investigators from the United States concluded that it was deliberately set — further fueling suspicions of foul play.

“Credible Links” to the Former Speaker

At a press briefing on Friday, Police Chief Gregory Colman announced that there were “credible links” suggesting Koffa was strategically involved in the arson plot. He is accused of coordinating sabotage efforts as early as November 2023 through his office and staff.

Colman added that Koffa faces charges of arson, criminal mischief, attempted murder, and endangering public safety. The police have detained five other lawmakers, including three sitting members of the House of Representatives, in connection with the case.

Social Media Threats and Escalating Rhetoric

Police also cited evidence involving another legislator, Representative Frank Saah Foko, who allegedly posted a video on Facebook saying, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.” Foko, a close ally of Koffa, was among those summoned for questioning and later detained.

The video has become a focal point in the investigation, with authorities using it to establish a pattern of incitement and intent to destroy government property.

Detained and Remanded to Prison

Koffa and several other lawmakers were summoned to the Liberian National Police headquarters in Monrovia as “persons of interest.” The next day, Koffa and three other legislators were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison, local newspaper FrontPage Africa reported.

This marks a rare moment in Liberian politics, where high-ranking political figures are not only accused but formally charged in connection with attacks on state institutions.

Power Struggles and Political Fallout

The arson case is the latest twist in a broader power struggle within Liberia’s House of Representatives. In October 2024, 47 lawmakers voted to impeach Koffa, citing poor governance and alleged corruption. Though the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority required, the dissenting lawmakers attempted to install their own speaker, plunging the legislature into months of gridlock.

Last month, after a prolonged standoff, Koffa resigned as speaker, ending a bitter chapter in Liberian parliamentary politics. But his resignation appears to have done little to quell the controversy.

Liberia Confronts a Crisis of Confidence

As Liberia recovers from the physical and political damage of the fire, the case against Koffa is likely to have far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country. With multiple lawmakers under investigation and the legislature in disarray, public trust in democratic institutions remains fragile.

Observers warn that unless these tensions are resolved transparently and lawfully, Liberia could face further instability at a time when it needs reform and reconciliation.

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