In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally offered to reactivate American mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia concerning the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project on the Nile River. The proposal came through an official letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, publicly shared by the White House on social media platforms.
The communication emerges against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between the two African nations regarding water allocation from the Nile, which represents approximately 97% of Egypt’s freshwater supply. President Sisi has repeatedly characterized the Ethiopian hydroelectric project as an existential threat to his nation’s water security.
Trump’s letter explicitly stated: “I am ready to restart US mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of ‘The Nile Water Sharing’ once and for all.” He further emphasized that “no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile and disadvantage its neighbours in the process,” positioning the GERD dispute as a priority matter for his potential administration.
The proposed framework envisions a negotiated settlement that would ensure predictable water supplies for downstream nations Egypt and Sudan, while simultaneously allowing Ethiopia to either sell or distribute electricity generated from the $4 billion infrastructure project. The GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower initiative inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in September, promises to more than double Ethiopia’s current electricity capacity upon completion.
Historical context reveals this isn’t Trump’s first intervention in the matter. During his previous term, he sparked controversy by suggesting Egypt might resort to military action against the dam, remarks that prompted diplomatic summons from both nations and heightened regional tensions. Previous mediation attempts involving the United States, World Bank, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and African Union have consistently failed to produce a lasting resolution over the past decade.
The dam has evolved into a powerful symbol of national pride and development aspiration in Ethiopia, while simultaneously representing a water security crisis in Egypt. Trump’s relationship with President Sisi, a former general who assumed power in 2013 and has since governed with authoritarian measures, has remained notably warm throughout both leaders’ political careers.