Liberia’s Ex-Speaker Fonati Koffa Indicted Over Alleged Burning of Capitol Building

By Naomi Tappia

Liberia’s political tensions have taken a dramatic turn as the Grand Jury for Montserrado County has officially indicted former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, and several allies in connection with the alleged arson attack that gutted the House Chamber on December 18, 2024.

Liberians woke up that morning to shocking images of the country’s legislative chamber engulfed in flames, a blaze that caused millions of dollars in damage and brought to a head a bitter power struggle that had fractured the Lower House for months.

The indictment, unveiled Wednesday at Criminal Court A in Monrovia, names Koffa, prominent opposition lawmaker Abu Kamara, Jacob Deebie, Dixon Seboe, and members of Koffa’s staff. The charges include criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, release of destructive forces, reckless burning, and recklessly endangering another person.

“This case is about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one, regardless of position, escapes accountability for acts that threaten the foundation of our democracy,” said a senior Justice Ministry source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The indictment follows a months-long probe into the Capitol fire, which erupted at the height of a bitter leadership dispute in the Lower House. The crisis saw two rival blocs emerge, each claiming the speakership: one loyal to then-Speaker Koffa, a stalwart of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and another backing current Speaker Richard Kun, who had the reported support of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.

The political standoff began when Koffa narrowly defeated Kun in the January 15, 2024 speaker’s election, securing 36 of 67 votes. Allegations soon emerged that the Vice President influenced lawmakers to oust Koffa, deepening rifts that culminated in the December blaze.

“Liberians deserve to know the truth about what happened that night,” said Emmanuel Johnson, a civil society activist based in Paynesville. “Those responsible must face justice — this should never happen again.”

Koffa and his co-accused were briefly detained before securing criminal appearance bonds. They have denied any involvement and are expected to mount a strong defense when the case comes up in the August Term of Court.

Clerk of Court staff confirmed the matter has now been transferred to the First Branch Circuit, Criminal Court A, where a trial date is expected to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, ordinary Liberians are calling on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration to ensure the case is handled transparently. Many see the high-profile indictment as an early test for the President’s pledges to restore integrity in public life and tackle the corruption and impunity that have long dogged Liberia’s political class.

“If we let this go, it sends a message that violence is acceptable in our politics,” said Monrovia resident Esther Sumo. “This is a chance for Liberia to show that the law is stronger than any politician.”

As the country watches, the Capitol fire case is shaping up to be a defining moment in the post-George Weah era, a nation eager to move forward but still haunted by old divisions and the ghosts of its turbulent past.

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Ollus Ndhomu

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