Section 216: Command of Defence Forces
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) An Act of Parliament may provide thatโ
(a) the Defence Forces are to be under the command of a single Commander; or
(b) each service of the Defence Forces, or any two or more of them jointly, are to be under
the command of a separate Commander.
(2) Every Commander of the Defence Forces, and every Commander of a service of the Defence Forces, is appointed by the President after consultation with the Minister responsible for the Defence Forces.
(3) Commanders of the Defence Forces and Commanders of services of the Defence Forces, are appointed for a term of not more than five years, and a person must not serve in any one of those offices for more than two terms.
(4) A person who has served as Commander of a service of the Defence Forces may be appointed as Commander of the Defence Forces, but a person who has served as Commander of the Defence Forces may not be appointed as Commander of a service of the Defence Forces or to the command of any other security service.
(5) Every Commander of the Defence Forces, and every Commander of a service of the Defence Forces, must exercise his or her command in accordance with general written policy directives given by the Minister responsible for the Defence Forces acting under the authority of the President.
Insight on Command of Defence Forces
This section establishes civilian control over the military by making the Defence Forces' command structure subordinate to political leadership. The 5-year term limits and maximum of two terms for Commanders serve as safeguards against entrenchment of military power. The provision that a Defence Forces Commander cannot later command a service branch prevents concentration of influence across multiple security sectors. All military command must follow ministerial directives, ensuring democratic oversight of the armed forces.