Former Liberian speaker faces arson charges in parliament fire case

Liberia’s former Speaker of Parliament has been formally charged with arson in connection to a fire that devastated the country’s House of Representatives, according to local law enforcement.

The massive fire erupted last December, just one day after demonstrations erupted in Monrovia following efforts to oust Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his position as speaker.

Koffa had been engaged in a prolonged standoff with his political rivals, with dozens of legislators voting to impeach him in October amid allegations of corruption, poor governance, and conflicts of interest.

He has consistently denied any involvement in the fire.

On Friday, police announced they had found “credible links” suggesting Koffa played a “strategic role” in the incident. Additionally, five other lawmakers have been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Police chief Gregory Colman confirmed that Koffa faces multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, endangering others, and attempted murder.

According to AFP, Police Chief Gregory Colman stated that Koffa allegedly used his position and staff “to coordinate sabotage efforts as early as November 2023.”

Local media reported that Koffa, along with several other lawmakers, was summoned to the Liberian National Police headquarters on Friday as “persons of interest” in the ongoing investigation.

FrontPage Africa reported that the former speaker and three current members of the House of Representatives were subsequently remanded to Monrovia Central Prison on Saturday.

The fire on December 18, 2024, completely destroyed the joint chambers of Liberia’s legislature. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time.

The day before the blaze, protests erupted over the plan to remove Koffa, leading to the arrest of demonstrators, including an aide to former President George Weah.

Among those questioned by police were Koffa and Representative Frank Saah Foko, a notable House member who reportedly posted a video on Facebook stating, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.”

An independent team of investigators from the US, brought in to assist with the probe, concluded that the fire was intentionally set.

Liberia’s House of Representatives has been mired in a prolonged power struggle.

While the attempt to impeach Koffa did not reach the necessary two-thirds majority, the faction of 47 lawmakers who supported the move went ahead and appointed their own speaker independently.

After months of political deadlock, Koffa stepped down as speaker last month.