Section 214: Political accountability for deployment of Defence Forces
Constitution of Zimbabwe
When the Defence Forces are deployed—
(a) in Zimbabwe to assist in the maintenance of public order; or
(b) outside Zimbabwe; 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.
Insight: Presidential Transparency in Military Deployment
This provision serves as a crucial check on executive power by requiring the President to maintain transparency with Parliament about military deployments. It prevents unilateral military action by ensuring legislative oversight when armed forces are used either domestically for public order or in foreign operations. This accountability mechanism helps balance power between branches of government and prevents potential abuse of military authority.