A groundbreaking appointment has reshaped the Bénin’s presidential security framework: Captain Elvire Toupé becomes the first woman to serve as aide-de-camp to President Romuald Wadagni.
This landmark decision places a female officer at the center of the nation’s highest security circle, signaling a shift in institutional representation within the armed forces.
Born in Porto-Novo on July 21, 1990, Captain Toupé’s career reflects both academic rigor and military precision. She began her journey at the Lycée militaire des jeunes filles Général Mathieu Kérékou in Natitingou, where she was part of the inaugural class of Enfants de troupe. Her military foundation solidified during officer training at the École nationale des officiers de Toffo (2012–2014), where she earned her infantry section leadership certification.
From medical imaging to frontline command
Beyond her military credentials, she holds a degree in medical imaging, a field she briefly practiced before dedicating herself fully to her calling in defense. Promoted to captain in 2021, she now stands as the highest-ranking female officer in Benin’s infantry corps.
International experience and bilingual expertise
Her professional trajectory extends far beyond national borders. Trained at the Caribbean Institute for Professional Military Education in Jamaica, she contributed to peacekeeping efforts as a gender military advisor within the MINUSMA mission between 2017 and 2018. Fluent in both French and English, she joined the Republican Guard in 2022, where she previously managed security protocols for the Court of Auditors.
With this appointment, Captain Toupé assumes a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s top leadership, combining tactical expertise with a track record of service excellence.
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