LIBERIA’S Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has rejected claims of involvement in a fire that engulfed part of the parliament building in Monrovia. The fire, which broke out early Wednesday, coincided with heightened political unrest, as lawmakers clash over Koffa’s position.
Despite no injuries or casualties, the fire has triggered a police investigation and a $5,000 reward for information. Speaker Koffa was questioned for nine hours by police, though he insists it was voluntary. Speaking to the BBC, he dismissed any links to the blaze, stating, ‘I have never been, and would never be, associated with that kind of violence.’
The blaze occurred a day after a contentious protest demanding Koffa’s removal turned chaotic. Demonstrators, including an aide to ex-President George Weah, were detained. During questioning, police referred to a Facebook post by Koffa, made amid the protests, seeking further clarification.
Koffa suggested the fire might have resulted from poor maintenance, highlighting warnings from contractors about the building’s deteriorating condition. ‘If it was arson, that would have been a horrible thing,’ he remarked, while calling for a neutral international inquiry into the incident.
The fire amplifies an ongoing power struggle in Liberia’s legislature. A faction of lawmakers claims to have ousted Koffa, but his allies insist the move is unconstitutional. A Supreme Court ruling has failed to resolve the crisis, leaving the House in turmoil.
As thick smoke lingers over Monrovia, the Capitol blaze has become a focal point in Liberia’s turbulent political landscape, raising questions about security, governance, and accountability.
