The Crown Council established the Order of Emperor Haile Selassie I to commemorate the anniversary of His Imperial Majesty’s One Hundredth Birthday, which occurred July 23, 1992. The Order may be conferred with Grand Collar. The Order is primarily intended to recognise outstanding Pan-Africanists and contributors to Pan-African heritage, and ranks equally with the Order of the Menelik II in precedence. In particular, the Order has been conferred on African kings and presidents and on African and Caribbean prime ministers.
The insignia comprises a cross potent bearing a full colour portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie and is pendant from a sky blue sash bordered in the Ethiopian tricolour of green, yellow and red.
The internationally acclaimed musician Bob Marley (Birhane Selassie) received the Order posthumously, along with the title of bitwoded, the equivalent of the rank of Count in court circles.
Holders of the Grand Collar rank of the Order may use the post-nominal initials GCHS; holders of the normal rank of the Order may use the post-nominal initials OHS.
