In a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Donald Trump promised a “strong United States role” if he is allowed to mediate the Nile dam dispute. Trump’s offer to resume negotiations aims to settle the friction between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The proposal outlines a specific vision for success. Trump argues that the U.S. can monitor an agreement where Ethiopia generates electricity while Egypt receives guaranteed water flows. This “fair and transparent” approach is designed to build trust between two nations that have viewed each other with suspicion for years.
The GERD is a massive hydroelectric project that has reshaped the region’s politics. Egypt fears the dam will be used to hold back water, devastating its economy. Ethiopia insists the dam is harmless to downstream interests. The impasse has survived multiple rounds of international mediation.
Trump’s track record on the issue is mixed, having previously cut aid to Ethiopia to force a deal. Despite the lack of a final agreement, he claims to have “resolved” the conflict. His recent acknowledgement of the dam as a “big problem” suggests he understands the stakes remain high.
This new mediation offer places the U.S. back at the center of African diplomacy. Trump’s insistence on “monitoring and coordinating” indicates a desire for a hands-on approach. He is betting that American oversight can provide the assurance needed for Egypt and Ethiopia to finally sign a binding pact.