Captain Elvire Toupé becomes first woman aide-de-camp to Bénin’s president

Cotonou — The Republic of Bénin has marked a historic milestone in its institutional journey with the appointment of Captain Elvire Toupé as aide-de-camp to President Romuald Wadagni.

This groundbreaking decision was unveiled following the inaugural Council of Ministers session convened at the Palais de la Marina on May 28, 2026. Observers immediately noted the officer’s prominent presence beside the Head of State during the proceedings.

For the first time in Bénin’s history, a woman has been entrusted with this pivotal executive role—one that has long been reserved exclusively for senior male officers. The aide-de-camp serves as the president’s constant companion, overseeing logistical arrangements for official engagements, protocol activities, and critical security coordination tasks.

Beyond its symbolic weight, this appointment signals a progressive shift in how Bénin views gender representation within its military command structure and state apparatus. It aligns with a broader regional trend in West Africa, where neighboring nations are increasingly prioritizing women’s inclusion in defense and security leadership positions.