The Greatest Generals Are Those Who Resolve Problems Without Shooting A Bullet (Violence) – Gen Otafiire Expresses Disappointment

Minister of Water and Environment Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire has expressed concern about the use of violence to resolve disagreements, saying great military commanders are those who can solve problems without firing a bullet.

Speaking in Parliament, Otafiire said disagreements are a normal part of life and should not necessarily be viewed as a problem. Instead, he said, the important issue is how people handle and resolve their differences.

Otafiire said the mark of a civilized society is its ability to resolve contradictions without resorting to violence. He then warned against generals who consider violence the best way of dealing with problems.

“When you see a general who prefers violence as the best means of solving problems, then there is a problem,” Otafiire said.

He added that some of the greatest generals he knows are those who resolve problems without shooting a bullet, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and information in preventing confrontation.

Otafiire explained that understanding what an adversary intends to do can help leaders prevent a confrontation or change their approach before matters escalate. He said intelligence should therefore be used before considering more serious measures.

The retired general said diplomacy should follow intelligence and other efforts to prevent confrontation, adding that war should only be considered after diplomatic efforts have failed. He also emphasized that war should not be an end in itself but should be aimed at achieving a specific resolution.