Benin has reached a groundbreaking milestone in its institutional history following the appointment of Captain Elvire Toupé as aide-de-camp to President Romuald Wadagni.

The announcement came during the inaugural Council of Ministers meeting on May 28, 2026, at the Palais de la Marina. The officer’s presence alongside the Head of State drew widespread attention, highlighting the significance of this unprecedented decision.

This marks Benin’s first instance of a woman occupying this critical role, which has historically been reserved for senior male officers. The aide-de-camp’s responsibilities include accompanying the President during official travel, managing protocol activities, and coordinating certain security operations.

The appointment carries profound symbolic weight, signaling a transformative shift in how women are represented in Benin’s military leadership and government institutions. It arrives at a pivotal moment when West African nations are increasingly embracing greater female participation in defense and security roles.