Liberia’s ongoing political crisis escalated further as former Speaker of Parliament Jonathan Fonati Koffa was formally charged with arson and other serious crimes linked to the devastating fire that destroyed the House of Representatives building in December 2024.
The move was confirmed over the weekend by Liberian security authorities. The blaze occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding Koffa’s impending removal from office, which had sparked widespread protests and a bitter power struggle within the legislature. Police allege Koffa orchestrated the fire using his position and staff to sabotage the institution as early as November 2023.
The investigation has also implicated five other lawmakers, with Koffa and three sitting representatives detained and held at Monrovia Central Prison. Authorities pointed to credible evidence of strategic involvement and criminal intent, including accusations of attempted murder and endangering public safety. The turmoil in Liberia’s parliament reflects deeper divisions, as a faction of lawmakers who voted to impeach Koffa attempted to install their own speaker, challenging the established legislative order even after the impeachment bid failed to meet the required threshold.
The incident and the political deadlock have highlighted the fragility of Liberia’s democratic institutions amid ongoing power struggles. Independent US investigators confirmed the fire was deliberately set, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Koffa’s resignation last month brought a temporary pause to the deadlock, but the charges against him suggest the political fallout will continue to affect Liberia’s governance and stability.