Ordre du Mérite Saharien

The Sahara Merit ( Ordre du Mérite saharien fr. ) was founded on June 4, 1958 by decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of the French Republic and could be awarded to persons who, by your contribution to the social and human development, the scientific research urbanization, economic research and management of belonging to France Saharan areas, as also excellent for watching the performance of France in these regions.

Classes

The order consists of three classes and the number of annual awards in each class were regulations:

• Commander ( 4)
• Officer (30 )
• Ritter ( 110)

As of December 31, 1961, the number of knights was increased to 140. Alien who was also awarded the Order were generally not subject to the limitation.

Order decoration

The religious character has the form of a standing on the top of the square with curved sides retracted, the three lower peaks are covered with conical ends. The upper peak is reduced and turns into a flat ring. In this ring, the circumferential inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE. In the square, which is decorated with a line ornament, in the center a rosette and in the corners of each a sculptural representation of a pearl. The rear of the two-line inscription MERITE Saharien.

Carrying method

Is supported the Commander's Cross around your neck, Officer and Knight's Cross on ribbon on the left chest. On the officer a rosette ribbon is also attached.

The ribbon is sand yellow with blue side stripes.

Others

Ceremonies of the Order were made ( national holiday) in principle on January 1 and July 14. In exceptional cases, however, it departed.

To be loaned at a higher level, deadlines had to be met. An award of the Officer Cross was the earliest after five years in the Knight's degree, that of the Komturkreuzes possible only after three years in the officer grade.

The award of the Sahara Merit was set in December 1963 as part of the reorganization of the French honors system and the Foundation of the National Order of Merit.