US President Donald Trump stepped forward on Friday with a direct offer to mediate the long-standing water dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia. He declared Washington's readiness to restart talks aimed at finding a fair and lasting solution for sharing the Nile River's vital resources.
Trump's Letter to President Sisi
In a personal letter addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which he later shared on his Truth Social account, Trump expressed his willingness to renew American mediation efforts. This move comes as tensions continue to rise over Ethiopia's massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, known as GERD.
The Core of the Conflict
The dispute has grown significantly more intense since Ethiopia officially inaugurated the GERD on September 9. Egypt, positioned downstream on the Nile, has voiced strong opposition to the project. Egyptian officials argue the dam poses a direct threat to their nation's water security, which is essential for millions of people.
Ethiopia, however, sees the situation very differently. As Africa's second-most populous country with over 120 million citizens, Ethiopia views the $5 billion dam as absolutely central to its future. The project is a cornerstone of their plans for economic development and generating much-needed electricity for the population.
Praise for Regional Leadership
President Trump used the letter to commend President Sisi for his recent diplomatic work. "I thank you for your leadership in successfully mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas," Trump wrote. He added, "I recognize and admire your steady role in managing the many security and humanitarian challenges that have faced this region, and your own people, since October 7, 2023. This war has weighed heavily on Egyptians, not just their neighbors, in Israel and Gaza."
A Call for Fair Sharing
Trump made a clear statement about the principle of shared resources. He stressed that no single country should dominate the river. "The United States affirms that no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile, and disadvantage its neighbors in the process," he wrote in the letter.
The US President outlined a potential path forward. He suggested that American-led efforts could help secure predictable water flows for all nations during periods of drought, while still allowing Ethiopia to generate power from the completed dam.
A Warning Against Escalation
Trump also issued a cautionary note, expressing hope that the dispute would not spiral into violence. "I very much hope that this truly understandable dispute over the GERD (DAM!) will not lead to major military conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia," he stated, highlighting the serious stakes involved.
The Stakes for Both Nations
The situation carries enormous weight for both countries. Egypt, home to approximately 107 million people, relies on the Nile for nearly all of its fresh water. This water is critical for households, agriculture, and power generation at Egypt's own Aswan High Dam.
On the other side, Ethiopia has confirmed it has completed filling the reservoir at the GERD. This massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile is a source of national pride. Ethiopian officials say it will bring electricity to millions of homes and provide a significant boost to the country's economic growth for years to come.
President Trump expressed confidence in a diplomatic resolution. "I believe that with the right technical expertise, fair and transparent negotiations, and a strong United States role in monitoring and coordination between parties, we can achieve a lasting agreement for all Nile Basin Nations," he concluded in his letter.
