Liberia’s former Speaker of the House of Representatives has been formally charged with arson in connection with a fire that destroyed the legislative chambers late last year. The incident, which gutted the joint chambers of the National Legislature in December 2024, came amid a tense political standoff and efforts to remove Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his powerful role.
The fire broke out on December 18, a day after widespread protests erupted in the capital, Monrovia, following the announcement of plans to oust Koffa. These demonstrations reportedly included supporters of former President George Weah, and at least one of his aides was detained during the unrest. At the time of the blaze, the building was empty, but the damage was extensive, rendering the chambers unusable.
Koffa had been facing mounting pressure since October 2024, when dozens of lawmakers voted in favor of his impeachment. Though the bid ultimately failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for removal, it exposed deep divisions within the House and triggered a prolonged power struggle. Koffa was accused of poor governance, corruption, and various conflicts of interest charges he consistently denied.
The charges brought against him include arson, criminal mischief, endangering lives, and attempted murder. Authorities allege that Koffa used his position and staff to coordinate sabotage efforts as early as November 2023. Five other lawmakers have also been detained in connection with the case. According to officials, credible evidence links Koffa to a deliberate plan to set the parliament ablaze.
He and several others were summoned to the police headquarters for questioning as persons of interest. Following that, the former speaker and three sitting members of the House of Representatives were taken into custody and remanded to Monrovia Central Prison.
One of the other individuals under investigation is Representative Frank Saah Foko, a known ally of Koffa. He allegedly posted a video on social media in which he made an incendiary statement: “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.” This video has now become a key piece of evidence in the investigation.
To determine the cause of the fire, a team of independent investigators from the United States was brought in to support local efforts. Their findings confirmed that the fire was intentionally set, lending weight to suspicions that the blaze was politically motivated.
The fire and its aftermath are symptomatic of deeper political instability within Liberia’s legislature. Even after the failed impeachment vote, the 47 lawmakers who supported Koffa’s removal unilaterally appointed a new speaker, defying parliamentary norms and deepening the crisis. This move was seen as a rejection of Koffa’s authority and a direct challenge to his leadership.
The standoff led to months of gridlock, during which legislative functions were significantly hampered. Ultimately, in May 2025, Koffa resigned from his position, citing the impasse and ongoing political conflict as reasons for his departure.
The developments mark a significant moment in Liberian politics, highlighting the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of power struggles and internal dissent. As the case proceeds through the judicial system, it is expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with implications for governance and rule of law in the country.
