Political Crisis Deepens After Capitol Fire
Liberia is facing a fresh political storm as former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been officially charged with arson over the December 2024 fire that ravaged the nation’s Capitol building. The blaze, which destroyed the joint chambers of the House of Representatives, occurred amid political tensions and impeachment efforts.
Police Reveal “Credible Links” to Fire
On Friday, Liberia’s police confirmed that Koffa was “strategically involved” in planning the fire. He now faces charges of arson, criminal mischief, endangering lives, and attempted murder, according to Police Chief Gregory Colman. Investigators allege that Koffa used his official resources and staff to organize sabotage as early as November 2023.
Koffa had been under scrutiny since October 2024, when 47 lawmakers voted for his impeachment over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Though the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority required, the political rift only deepened.
Five Lawmakers Detained, Koffa Imprisoned
Following the charges, Koffa and three sitting members of the House were remanded to Monrovia Central Prison on Saturday. Two additional lawmakers have also been detained. These developments follow a summons issued to multiple “persons of interest,” including Representative Frank Saah Foko, who allegedly said in a video, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.”
Timeline of the Fire
- 17 December 2024: Protests erupt over plans to remove Koffa. Several aides to ex-President George Weah are arrested.
- 18 December 2024: A massive fire guts the Capitol building. No casualties reported.
- January 2025: A U.S. investigative team concludes the fire was deliberately set.
- May 2025: Koffa resigns from his position amid a months-long political deadlock.
- June 2025: Charges filed and detentions made.
Ongoing Power Struggle in Parliament
Despite the failed impeachment vote, the anti-Koffa faction in parliament unilaterally appointed their own speaker, plunging Liberia into a legislative crisis. Koffa’s eventual resignation did little to calm tensions, as suspicions about the Capitol fire lingered.
International Attention and Political Fallout
The fire, which destroyed the heart of Liberia’s democratic institutions, has drawn widespread condemnation. Analysts say the political instability threatens Liberia’s fragile democracy and could impact its international relations and donor confidence.
What’s Next?
Koffa maintains his innocence and denies all involvement in the fire. Legal proceedings are expected to begin soon. Meanwhile, the government faces pressure to restore the Capitol building and stabilize governance in the wake of this high-profile scandal.
