Benin captain elvire toupé becomes first female presidential aide de camp

History was made in Bénin as President Romuald Wadagni appointed Captain Elvire Toupé as aide de camp, marking the first time a woman has held this pivotal security role in the Republic’s executive leadership.

The president’s decision underscores a commitment to gender inclusion within the nation’s highest security echelons. Captain Toupé, now stationed at the heart of the presidential security apparatus, brings a rare blend of military discipline and specialized expertise to the position.

A distinguished career rooted in service

Born on July 21, 1990, in Porto-Novo, Captain Elvire Toupé began her journey in the military through the inaugural class of the Lycée militaire des jeunes filles Général Mathieu Kérékou in Natitingou — a groundbreaking program for young women aspiring to serve. Her academic and professional trajectory reflects relentless dedication.

After completing officer training at the École nationale des officiers in Toffo between 2012 and 2014, she earned qualifications as an infantry section leader. Though she briefly pursued a career in medical imaging, her commitment to the armed forces ultimately prevailed.

Leading by example in a male-dominated field

Promoted to the rank of captain in 2021, Captain Toupé now stands as the highest-ranking female officer in Beninese infantry. Her rise symbolizes progress in a traditionally male-dominated institution and sets a new benchmark for future generations of women in uniform.

A career with regional and international reach

Her professional experience extends beyond national borders. She completed advanced training at the Caribbean Institute for Professional Military Education in Jamaica and contributed to peacekeeping efforts as a gender military advisor with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from 2017 to 2018.

Fluent in both French and English, Captain Toupé joined the Republican Guard in 2022. Prior to her current appointment, she served as head of security for the Audit Court, further solidifying her reputation for precision, discretion, and operational excellence.