A historic appointment: captain elvire toupé becomes Bénin’s first female presidential aide-de-camp

In a landmark decision for Bénin’s institutional history, President Romuald Wadagni has officially designated Captain Elvire Toupé as the presidential aide-de-camp. This pivotal appointment marks the very first time a woman will hold such a prominent position within the nation’s highest office.

This groundbreaking selection strategically places a female officer at the core of the presidential close protection detail, signifying a significant stride in gender representation at the apex of national security.

Born on July 21, 1990, in Porto-Novo, Captain Elvire Toupé boasts an exemplary background characterized by rigorous military discipline and outstanding academic achievements. She proudly belongs to the inaugural cohort of young cadets from the Général Mathieu Kérékou Military High School for Girls in Natitingou.

Following her comprehensive training at the National Officers’ School in Toffo between 2012 and 2014, she earned her diploma as an infantry section chief. Demonstrating diverse expertise, she also holds a degree in medical imaging, a field in which she briefly practiced before fully recommitting to her distinguished military career.

Having achieved the rank of captain in 2021, she is presently recognized as the most highly-ranked female officer within Bénin’s infantry corps.

Her professional acumen extends beyond national borders. With advanced training from the Caribbean Institute for Professional Military Education in Jamaica, Captain Toupé notably served with MINUSMA as a military gender advisor during 2017 and 2018, showcasing her international experience.

Fluent in both French and English, she became a member of the Republican Guard in 2022, where she previously held the critical responsibility of leading security operations for the Court of Accounts until her recent elevation.