Now, let us look at the facts. The facts on the ground.
(1) The deal nowhere states that Ethiopia has withdrawn her MOU with Somaliland.
(2) The Ankara deal states that Somalia will provide to Ethiopia 'ACCESS TO THE SEA' not access to a port.
(3) Somalioland independence is entirely separate from the MOU. Somaliland will be independent what ever happens to the MOU.
(4) The political and military crises between Puntland, Jubaland, South west vs. Mogadishou are separate from the MOU.
(5) As we speak, Jubaland has kicked out Hassan Sheik out of Jubaland.
(6) Ethiopian military presence in Puntland, Jubaland and South West is separate from the MOU.
(7) Ethiopian military will remain in Somalia as long as there is Al-Shabab.
(8) As for Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland, despite the widespread public perception, Ethiopia never officially committed hrself or stated to recognize Somaliland. The true fact behind this position is unknown.
(9) Similarly, despite the widespread public perception, Ethiopia has never stated that it she doesn't recognize Somalila's sovereignty. (therefore, there is nothing new in finding that clause in the Ankara declaration).
In short, the Ankara mediation did nothing perhaps except .....
(1) Turkey tried to protect its massive investment from going down the tube as the result of total collapse of Somalia.
(2) Turkey also blocked Egypt from entering into Somalian theater which is Turkish sphere of influence.
(3) An immediate possible war between Somalia and Ethiopia is put off or temporarily averted.
(4) Ethiopia has successfully disrupted or foiled Egyptian attempt at encircling Ethiopia through the use of Eritrea, Djibouti, and other internal agents of Ethiopian enemies. For Ethiopia, this is the primary threat.
(5) Ethiopia has broken out of the huge diplomatic isolation caused by the MOU.
(6) Now, Ethiopia has many, many cards to play with - regional & global diplomacy, anti-Shabab peace keeping, political & military influence with Somaliland, Puntland, Jubaland, Southest as well as Mogadishou itself.
So, forget the emotional dramas of Sisi water carriers. These are some of the facts. Follow the facts because they lead to the truth. And, within the coming 4 months all of these realities will change except two things - Ethiopia's quest for Sea Access & Somaliland's independence!
Kair.


