Order of Ivory Merit explained

Order of Ivory Merit Ordre du Mérite Ivoirien
Type:	State Order
For:	Reward distinguished merits acquired in a public, civil, military or private function
Established:	11 September 1970
Classes:	Grand Cross Grand Officer Commander Officer Knight
Higher:	National Order of the Ivory Coast
Lower:	Order of Merit of National Education

The Order of Ivory Merit (Ordre du Mérite Ivoirien) is the second highest honorary order of the Ivory Coast created in 1970, and is intended to reward distinguished merits acquired in a public, civil, military or private function.

History

The Order was established on 11 September 1970,^{[1] [2]} replacing the Medal of National Merit.^[3] The President of the Republic is Grand Master of the Order.

Grades

The order does have five levels, of which 3 grades and 2 dignities:

• Three grades:
  • French: Chevalier (Knight): badge worn on left breast suspended from ribbon.
  • French: Officier (Officer): badge worn on left breast suspended from a ribbon with a rosette.
  • French: Commandeur (Commander): badge around neck suspended from ribbon necklet.
• Two dignities:
  • French: Grand officier (Grand Officer): badge worn on left breast suspended from a ribbon, with star displayed on right breast.
  • French: Grand-croix (Grand Cross): the highest level; badge affixed to sash worn over the right shoulder, with star displayed on left breast.

Insignia

The badge of the order is a five-pointed green star that is placed on an inverted five-pointed white star. The obverse central disc of the badge is a gold medallion that features an elephant in the middle with two palm branches on both sides. The disc is surrounded by a red enamel ring with the motto "IVOIRIAN MERIT" in French (MÉRITE IVOIRIEN). There is an elevation in the form of two golden palm leaves with white veins.

The star of the Order has long golden or silver rays and no laurel wreath. The badge is placed in the middle of the star.

The ribbon is yellow with a wide green center line and narrower side stripes.

Notes and References

1. Decree no. 70-544 of 09/11/1970 establishing the Order of Ivory Merit, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Ivory Coast, no. 47 of 24/09/1970, P. 1548
2. Web site: Les Ordres Nationaux . 2009-01-05 . http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20090106000000/http://ambaci-dakar.org/gcon/o_nationaux.htm . 2009-01-06 . live .
3. http://www.semon.fr/DECORATIONS_COTE_IVOIRE.htm Decorations Cote Ivoire