Ordre du Mérite Saharien

The Ordre du Mérite saharien (Saharan Order of Merit) was established in 1958 as a reward for social, scientific, economic or administrative services rendered by French or foreign persons who participated in the development of Saharan regions. The medal is fashioned in the form of the Agades cross, a traditional emblem of the Tuareg clans of the Sultanate of Agadez, surrounding modern Agadez, Niger.

The order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the Ordre National du Mérite. Extant members of the order are permitted to wear their original decorations.

Classes
The Order has three classes:
 * Commandeur (Commander)
 * Officier (Officer)
 * Chevalier (Knight)