History

This Order was established by the President of of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1966. It continued to be awarded in the Republic of Zaire from 1977-1997, and is currently awarded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The President of the Republic is the Grand Master of the Order.

The Order is awarded in two divisions in recognition of meritorious services rendered to the nation.

There are two versions of the Order that differ in design and inscription according to the time period in which they were awarded. The first version, awarded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1966-1977, and again since 1997, features blue enamel and a blue ribbon. The reverse inscription translates to "Democratic Republic of the Congo, Order of the Leopard." The second version was awarded in the Republic of Zaire from 1977-1997 and features green enamel and a green ribbon. The reverse inscription translates to "Republic of Zaire, Order of the Leopard." Both versions have an obverse inscription that translates to "Peace, Justice, Labour."

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