Benin’s special court, CRIET, has indicted two senior officials, including the founder of the New Liberal Party, on charges of corruption and money laundering.

The charges relate to alleged payments made by party leader Richard Boni Ouorou to secure official recognition of the party. A Ministry of Interior official is also implicated in the scandal.

A third person, the party’s secretary general and another ministry official, is now facing prosecution as well. The case comes just ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, raising tensions in Benin’s political landscape.