Government of Lesotho established the Ministry of Defence and National Security (MODNS) in August 1994 to reflect the notion of civil control of the Military and Security Service. The role of the Ministry is to formulate, adopt and execute defence and security policies. The Ministry has the responsibility to inform the nation about defence and security, at the same time strike a balance between the publics right to know and confidentiality in the interest of national security. Transparency is an essential ingredient of good governance.

The civil-military and civil-security relationships are governed by the four control Principles of Separation of Powers, Legality, Accountability, and Transparency. The powers and functions of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and National Security Service (NSS) are determined by law as specified in the Constitution, the Lesotho Defence Force Act of 1996 and the National Security Act of 1998. All concerned players are expected to operate strictly within these parameters. The Public needs special assurance that the armed forces and security services perform their functions in accordance with the law. Such assurance is provided through the political authority exercised by the MODNS. The Minister is answerable to the Parliament and Public.