constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Sep 2013, 21:48 212 Function of Defence Forces The function of the Defence Forces is to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security and interests and its territorial integrity and to uphold this Constitution. 213 Deployment of Defence Forces (1) Subject to this Constitution, only the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has power-(a) to authorise the deployment of the Defence Forces; or (b) has power to determine the operational use of the Defence Forces. (2) With the authority of the President, the Defence Forces may be deployed in Zimbabwe-(a) in defence of Zimbabwe; (b) in support of the Police Service in the maintenance of public order; or (c) in support of the Police Service and other civilian authorities in the event of an emergency or disaster. (3) With the authority of the President, the Defence Forces may be deployed outside Zimbabwe-(a) on peace-keeping operations under the auspices of the United Nations Organisation or any other international or regional organisation of which Zimbabwe is a member; (b) to defend the territorial integrity of a foreign country; (c) in fulfilment of an international commitment; or (d) in defence of Zimbabwe's national security or national interests. (4) By a two-thirds majority of the total membership of Parliament at a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly, Parliament may resolve that a deployment of the Defence Forces outside Zimbabwe should be rescinded. (5) Where Parliament has resolved that a deployment of the Defence Forces outside Zimbabwe should be rescinded, the President must take all practical steps to withdraw the Defence Forces, taking due account of the need to ensure the safety of Zimbabwean personnel and equipment. 214 Political accountability for deployment of Defence Forces When the Defence Forces are deployed-(a) in Zimbabwe to assist in the maintenance of public order; or (b) outside Zimbabwe; (b) the President must cause Parliament to be informed, promptly and in appropriate detail, of the reasons for their deployment and-(i) where they are deployed in Zimbabwe, the place where they are deployed; (ii) where they are deployed outside Zimbabwe, the country in which they are deployed. 215 Minister responsible for Defence Forces The President must appoint a Minister to be responsible for the Defence Forces. Zimbabwe 2013 Page 91