Liberia’s former speaker of parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has been detained and charged in connection with a fire at the House of Representatives last December, which occurred during a demonstration by his supporters.
Police confirmed the blaze broke out as Koffa’s supporters protested in Monrovia amidst a political crisis.
Koffa had faced a lengthy standoff with opponents, with over half of lawmakers attempting his impeachment in October over accusations of poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
Though the impeachment failed, he resigned on May 12 after a dissident coalition elected their own leader.
A US investigative team concluded the fire was deliberate.
Police chief Gregory Colman stated on Friday that “credible links” suggest Koffa was “strategically involved” in obstruction and damaging national infrastructure.
Koffa faces charges including arson, criminal mischief, endangering others, and attempted murder, allegedly coordinating sabotage since November 2023.
Five lawmakers are also detained in the case.
