Trump Proposes Egypt as a Mediator in Ethiopia Dam Dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he is prepared to revive diplomatic talks aimed at urging Ethiopia to share water from a major dam that has caused frustration in Egypt.

During this announcement, Trump, who had previously escalated tensions by suggesting potential military action against the dam, extended his offer of assistance while acknowledging Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, an ally credited with facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a letter addressed to Sisi, which was shared on social media by the White House, Trump stated, "I am prepared to reinstate U.S. mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly settle the matter of Nile Water Sharing once and for all."

He reaffirmed that "The United States believes that no nation in this region should unilaterally control the vital resources of the Nile, thereby disadvantaging its neighbors."

Trump committed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be prominently featured on his agenda.

Furthermore, he expressed a desire to find a solution that would ensure a reliable water supply for both Egypt and Sudan while allowing Ethiopia the option to either sell or supply electricity to its downstream neighbors.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower facility, in September, a project that cost $4 billion and aims to more than double Ethiopia’s electricity generation capacity.

President Sisi has described the dam as an existential threat, with Egypt relying on the Nile for 97 percent of its water requirements.

Mediation attempts by the U.S., World Bank, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and African Union have failed in the last decade to resolve ongoing disputes surrounding the dam, which is a source of national pride in Ethiopia.

Towards the end of his first term, Trump also expressed a hope for a settlement, cautioning that if a resolution is not reached, Egypt might resort to significant actions, stating, "They’ll blow up that dam."

This remark bewildered both Egypt and Ethiopia, prompting them to summon the U.S. ambassador for clarifications and pledge to resist any form of aggression.

Trump maintains a close rapport with Sisi, a former general who seized power in a 2013 coup and is known for his harsh suppression of dissent.

In the past, Trump has been quoted referring to Sisi as "my favorite dictator."