President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin has made history by appointing Captain Elvire Toupé as his new aide-de-camp, a groundbreaking move in the country’s institutional landscape.
A pivotal shift in security protocols, this appointment places a woman at the heart of the president’s inner circle, underscoring a commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership roles.
Born on July 21, 1990, in Porto-Novo, Captain Toupé’s journey to this prestigious position reflects both military rigor and academic distinction. She was among the pioneering cohort of the Enfants de troupe at the Lycée militaire des jeunes filles Général Mathieu Kérékou in Natitingou, a training ground renowned for shaping disciplined leaders.
Her career took a decisive turn after completing officer training at the École nationale des officiers in Toffo between 2012 and 2014, where she earned her infantry section leader certification. Beyond her military credentials, she holds a degree in medical imaging—a field she practiced briefly before fully dedicating herself to her armed forces career.
Promoted to captain in 2021, she currently holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking female officer in Bénin’s infantry. Her expertise extends beyond national borders; she underwent advanced military education at the Caribbean Institute for Professional Military Education in Jamaica and contributed to international peacekeeping as a gender military advisor with MINUSMA from 2017 to 2018.
Fluent in both French and English, Captain Toupé joined the Republican Guard in 2022, where she previously managed security protocols for the Court of Auditors. Her appointment as aide-de-camp marks yet another milestone in a career defined by resilience and excellence.
