Following his recent swearing-in, President Romuald Wadagni of Benin made a significant announcement: the selection of Captain Elvire Toupé as his aide-de-camp. This groundbreaking designation occurred after the inaugural meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 28.

Captain Toupé, previously an officer in the Republican Guard, now holds the distinction of being the first Beninese woman to serve in this capacity since Benin gained its independence on August 1, 1960. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

Régis Hounkpè, a respected lecturer and geopolitical analyst, who also directs InterGlobe Conseils, expressed his profound satisfaction with this appointment.

“Because these were women. Naturally, they remain exemplary figures. Young Beninese girls draw immense inspiration from them. In both the collective imagination and the reality of Benin, the Amazons have been reinstated in a crucial capacity, influencing community roles, decision-making circles, and the public sphere. We frequently discuss the Amazons,” remarked Hounkpè, highlighting their enduring legacy.

Echoes of the Agodjié

Journalist Wuldath Moussa Mama emphasized that Elvire Toupé’s appointment evokes memories of the Agodjié, the revered ancient military regiment of Dahomey, whom European colonizers famously dubbed “Amazons,” drawing parallels to the mythical Greek warrior women.

“This serves as a historical reminder of the military contributions of women alongside the sovereigns of Dahomey. Indeed, the famed Amazons constituted an elite corps within Dahomey’s armed forces. The crucial question remains: is this an isolated exception that proves the rule, or does it signal a broader impetus the president intends to foster, perhaps to empower women and propel them forward? This could very well be an opening that will significantly encourage them to gain more ground,” explained the journalist, pondering the long-term implications.

According to Régis Hounkpè, the Amazons of Dahomey embody courage, audacity, and tenacity in the face of adversity. “Because they were women,” he reiterated, “they undoubtedly serve as role models. Young Beninese girls are profoundly inspired by them, and in both the collective imagination and the reality of Benin, the Amazons have been restored to an essential role, impacting the community, decision-making circles, and the public sphere. The Amazons are a constant topic of discussion.”

Insufficient Female Representation in Political Roles

President Romuald Wadagni’s initial government includes six women, holding portfolios such as Foreign Affairs, Higher Education, Family and Social Action, Internal Commerce, Employment and Vocational Training, and Communication and Media. This is a slight increase from the previous government under Patrice Talon, which had five women among its 23 members. Wuldath Moussa Mama hopes for a greater engagement of Beninese women in national public affairs.

She further noted that “it’s challenging to discuss gender inclusivity and women’s presence in the Beninese national political arena without acknowledging the Vice-Presidency, which has been held by a woman since 2021. While certainly a symbol, it might only be that – a symbol. This is because, ultimately, the Vice-President’s role, as defined by the Beninese Constitution, is primarily ceremonial.”

The tenth legislature of Benin, which commenced in February 2026, features 28 women deputies out of a total of 109 seats. All these women belong to the presidential majority, representing 25.7% of the total assembly. This figure mirrors the representation seen in the preceding legislature.

Thanks to the electoral code, which mandates one seat for women per electoral constituency, 24 women were elected through this quota, with an additional four securing positions independently. However, Wuldath Moussa Mama believes that “this picture still falls short and underscores the ongoing work needed within political parties, both in terms of activism training and the opportunities extended to women.”