Merging Ethiopian Wise-Counsel Mediation and Facilitative ...

III.3.7 The Kollo Pantomime 29The Kollo Pantomime is a metaphor that helps us understand the phases of a mediationprocess.It shows the differentiation between positions and interests, illustrating that often avariety of needs and fears are hidden behind a harsh statement (position).The metaphor for the conflicting parties’ harsh positions is the closed fist. It looksquite aggressive. But if you open the fist, all the different pieces of kollo 30 appear, eachunique. These symbolise the variety of interests, emotions and fears, hidden “inside”a position.In a mediation process, the parties first clarify their own interests. The mediatoris supposed to help them by asking grounding questions. Secondly, the parties collecttheir thoughts and reflect on them. Thirdly, the parties show each other their (formerlyhidden) interests. The parties then try to understand—or at least respect—the otherparty’s needs while the mediator helps create mutual understanding between them.Finally, the parties start to combine some of their interests or even satisfy some of theother party’s interests in order to find a solution based on mutual understanding.Figure 1Parties A and B oppose each other. Their facialexpressions are serious and they show their fists toeach other.What does it mean?The parties have a conflict. When they meet theytrade harsh positions and insults. Their closed fistsare symbols for their positions—they cannot even seetheir own emotions, fears and hopes, let alone thoseof the other party.129 Wüstehube, L. (2009).30 Kollo is a traditional Ethiopian snack food made from a mix of roasted grains.Mediation Training Toolbox43