Former Speaker of the House Jonathan Fonati Koffa has been charged with multiple offenses, including arson, over a devastating fire at Liberia's Capitol building. The fire occurred one day after protests erupted against his potential impeachment, which stemmed from allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Authorities have detained other lawmakers in connection with the case.**
**Ex-Speaker of Liberia Faces Arson Charges Amidst Political Turmoil**
**Ex-Speaker of Liberia Faces Arson Charges Amidst Political Turmoil**
**Jonathan Fonati Koffa charged with arson following December fire at the capitol, as police cite "credible links" to the incident.**
In Liberia, former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa has been officially charged with arson concerning a significant fire that engulfed the House of Representatives last December. According to local police reports, the inferno broke out just following heated protests in Monrovia, sparked by ongoing efforts to impeach Koffa due to accusations of mismanagement, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
Police chief Gregory Colman noted that investigations revealed "credible links" suggesting Koffa's strategic involvement in the fire incident. Alongside Koffa, five other lawmakers have also been arrested for their suspected roles. Previously, Koffa claimed no involvement in the fire, which destroyed the legislature's joint chambers when no one was present inside.
On the day prior to the fire, protests unfolded rapidly as supporters and opponents of Koffa clashed over the push for his removal. Tensions escalated further when Representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly made incendiary comments on social media, raising the stakes of the unrest.
A team of independent investigators from the United States concluded that the fire was deliberately set. Koffa is facing multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, endangering public safety, and attempted murder, based on claims that he coordinated sabotage efforts commencing in November 2023.
Although the impeachment attempt against Koffa did not achieve the required two-thirds majority, it has led to a protracted power struggle within the House of Representatives, as rival factions work to assert control. Following months of political impasse, Koffa recently stepped down from his leadership role.
Police chief Gregory Colman noted that investigations revealed "credible links" suggesting Koffa's strategic involvement in the fire incident. Alongside Koffa, five other lawmakers have also been arrested for their suspected roles. Previously, Koffa claimed no involvement in the fire, which destroyed the legislature's joint chambers when no one was present inside.
On the day prior to the fire, protests unfolded rapidly as supporters and opponents of Koffa clashed over the push for his removal. Tensions escalated further when Representative Frank Saah Foko allegedly made incendiary comments on social media, raising the stakes of the unrest.
A team of independent investigators from the United States concluded that the fire was deliberately set. Koffa is facing multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, endangering public safety, and attempted murder, based on claims that he coordinated sabotage efforts commencing in November 2023.
Although the impeachment attempt against Koffa did not achieve the required two-thirds majority, it has led to a protracted power struggle within the House of Representatives, as rival factions work to assert control. Following months of political impasse, Koffa recently stepped down from his leadership role.
