The Order was founded on 10 April 1961 to celebrate the independence of the Ivory Coast which was until 1960 a French colony.

The medal of the order is constituted of a white-enamelled cross of Malta, bordered in red, surrounded by a green crown of laurel.

At the centre of the cross in a gold medallion showing a frontal elephant surrounded by a crown of laurel, the whole surrounded by a green-enamelled ring with golden inscription "REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D'IVOIRE" ("Republic of Ivory Coast").

The plaque shows the same design as the medal but the cross is put upon a silver radiating star.

The Order is subdivided in five ordinary grades, plus a special class of the Collar: