**In a significant turn of events, Liberia's former parliament speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, faces serious arson charges related to the devastating fire that engulfed the House of Representatives, igniting a broader political crisis.**
**Arson Charges Against Liberia's Ex-Speaker Follow Capitol Blaze**
**Arson Charges Against Liberia's Ex-Speaker Follow Capitol Blaze**
**Former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa accused of orchestrating destructive fire amidst political turmoil**
Liberia's ex-speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, is facing arson charges following a destructive fire that obliterated the House of Representatives. The incident, which occurred last December, has drawn scrutiny due to its timing — just one day after contentious plans were announced to impeach Koffa, leading to protests in Monrovia. Local police have indicated that Koffa, along with five other lawmakers, is under investigation for potential involvement, suggesting he may have played a "strategic" role in the incident.
Police Chief Gregory Colman disclosed that Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, endangering public safety, and other serious crimes, stemming from alleged sabotage activities dating back to November 2023. Reports indicated that Koffa, alongside other lawmakers, was summoned to the police headquarters as part of the investigation before being detained at Monrovia Central Prison.
The fire, which destroyed the legislative chambers on December 18, 2024, has been deemed suspicious. It occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions over Koffa's leadership, which had been marked by accusations of corruption and governance failures. Although his impeachment attempt failed, the discontent among lawmakers led to the appointment of a rival speaker by dissenting members.
Adding to the controversy, Representative Frank Saah Foko is under investigation for remarks made in a now-viral video suggesting a willingness to incite destruction. Assisted by U.S. investigators, local authorities concluded that the fire was deliberately set, suggesting a calculated move amidst Liberia's ongoing political strife. As the investigation unfolds, Koffa's political future, already compromised by last month's resignation amid ongoing deadlock, remains uncertain.
Police Chief Gregory Colman disclosed that Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, endangering public safety, and other serious crimes, stemming from alleged sabotage activities dating back to November 2023. Reports indicated that Koffa, alongside other lawmakers, was summoned to the police headquarters as part of the investigation before being detained at Monrovia Central Prison.
The fire, which destroyed the legislative chambers on December 18, 2024, has been deemed suspicious. It occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions over Koffa's leadership, which had been marked by accusations of corruption and governance failures. Although his impeachment attempt failed, the discontent among lawmakers led to the appointment of a rival speaker by dissenting members.
Adding to the controversy, Representative Frank Saah Foko is under investigation for remarks made in a now-viral video suggesting a willingness to incite destruction. Assisted by U.S. investigators, local authorities concluded that the fire was deliberately set, suggesting a calculated move amidst Liberia's ongoing political strife. As the investigation unfolds, Koffa's political future, already compromised by last month's resignation amid ongoing deadlock, remains uncertain.
