Liberia's former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been charged with arson related to a fire that razed the nation's House of Representatives. This blaze occurred in December, coinciding with rising tensions and protests aimed at Koffa's removal from his speaker position. Local police revealed that the fire was set deliberately, with "credible links" indicating Koffa's strategic involvement. He faces multiple serious charges, including arson and attempted murder, and has been detained alongside five other lawmakers.
The controversy surrounding Koffa intensified following a failed impeachment vote in October, where lawmakers accused him of corruption and mismanagement. On the day preceding the fire, significant protests erupted, stirring fears among officials. Notably, lawmaker Frank Saah Foko hinted on social media about burning the legislative chambers.
In the aftermath of the blaze, which took place on December 18, 2024, a team of independent US investigators concluded it was a deliberate act. Koffa resigned from his position last month amidst ongoing power struggles in Liberia's legislature. The political climate remains charged as the nation grapples with the implications of these events.
The controversy surrounding Koffa intensified following a failed impeachment vote in October, where lawmakers accused him of corruption and mismanagement. On the day preceding the fire, significant protests erupted, stirring fears among officials. Notably, lawmaker Frank Saah Foko hinted on social media about burning the legislative chambers.
In the aftermath of the blaze, which took place on December 18, 2024, a team of independent US investigators concluded it was a deliberate act. Koffa resigned from his position last month amidst ongoing power struggles in Liberia's legislature. The political climate remains charged as the nation grapples with the implications of these events.
