History

The Order of Nichan El-Anouar was established by the Sultan of Tadjourh, Hamed ben Mohamed, in October, 1887 and it became a colonial French order on May 10, 1896. The Order was one of three orders named an “Order of Overseas France” on September 1, 1950. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was created in 1963.

The Order was awarded for overseas service in Somalian Coast territories or central Africa at least 3 years, or for service in colonial expansion. After 1933, the minimum service requirement was extended to 9 years.

During the first three years of the Order, the crosses were suspended from red ribbons with blue, white, and black stripes. These were deemed to be too similar to the ribbons of the Legion of Honour, and after December 5, 1899 the crosses were suspended from dark blue ribbons with a white stripe.

The Grand Cross Breast Star and Grand Officer Breast Star are identical.

Decorations may vary in size, composition, and manufacturer.