Sahara Order of Merit (France)

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Officer's Cross of the Sahara Order of Merit with a buttonhole rosette

The Sahara Order of Merit (fr. Ordre du Mérite saharien ) was established on June 4, 1958 by ordinance of the President of the Council of Ministers of the French Republic and could be awarded to people who have distinguished themselves through their contribution to social and human advancement, to scientific research, urbanization, economic research and management of the Sahara regions that belong to France , as well as the reputation of France's achievements in these regions.

Classes

The order consists of three classes and the number of annual awards in the individual classes was regulated:

From December 31, 1961, the number of knights was increased to 140. Foreigners who could also be awarded the medal generally did not fall under the limit.

Order decoration

The sign of the order has the shape of an upturned square with curved sides, the three lower tips of which are set with conical ends. The top tip is shortened and turns into a flat ring. The circumferential inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE on this ring . In the square, which is decorated with a line ornament, a rosette in the middle and a plastic representation of a pearl in the corners. On the reverse the two-line inscription MERITE SAHARIEN .

Carrying method

The commander's cross is worn around the neck, the officer's and knight's cross on the ribbon on the left side of the chest. A rosette is also attached to the officer's tape.

The ribbon is sand yellow with blue side stripes.

Others

Awards of the order were made on January 1st and July 14th ( national holiday ). In exceptional cases, however, this was deviated from.

In order to be borrowed with a higher level, deadlines had to be met. The officer’s cross could be awarded at the earliest after five years in the knight’s degree, and the commander’s cross only after three years in the officer’s degree.

The award of the Sahara Order of Merit was discontinued in December 1963 in the course of the reorganization of the French religious system and the foundation of the National Order of Merit .

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