Former US President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to resume mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia concerning the contentious issue of Nile River water sharing. In a message addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Trump stated his readiness to facilitate a resolution to the long-standing dispute.
Trump emphasized the vital importance of the Nile River to Egypt and its people, stating, “I want to help you reach a result that guarantees the long-term water needs of Egypt, the Republic of Sudan, and Ethiopia.” He suggested a solution focused on ensuring predictable water supplies for Egypt and Sudan, particularly during periods of drought, while simultaneously enabling Ethiopia to generate substantial amounts of electricity, some of which could be provided or sold to Cairo and Khartoum.
The former president highlighted the potential for a lasting agreement benefiting all nations within the Nile basin. He conveyed the significance he attaches to this matter and expressed his hope that the disagreement would not escalate into a military conflict between the two countries.
Adding to this, Trump’s advisor on Arab and African affairs, Mossaad Boulos, affirmed that resolving the tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a top priority for Trump. Boulos emphasized Trump’s commitment to fostering lasting peace in Africa and the Middle East, and preventing a major military confrontation between Egypt and Ethiopia. He further suggested that a durable solution for Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan is attainable through effective American leadership, supported by technical expertise and fair negotiations.
The opening of the GERD in September has strained relations, with Egypt voicing concerns that the dam violates international treaties and could lead to droughts and floods – claims which Ethiopia denies. Egypt and Sudan continue to demand a binding tripartite agreement with Ethiopia regarding the dam’s operation and filling.
This offer from Trump signals a potential renewed effort to broker a deal on the Nile, a crucial resource for the region. Whether this offer will translate into concrete action remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the GERD dispute.
