Donald Trump has promised a “lasting agreement” with U.S. oversight. The former President has offered to resume mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia, aiming to settle the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Trump’s plan involves a hands-on approach. He believes that American monitoring is necessary to ensure that Ethiopia generates electricity without harming Egypt’s water supply. He calls for a deal that provides “predictable water releases” for the downstream nation.
The GERD has been a source of friction for years. Egypt fears the dam will reduce its water share, while Ethiopia views it as a national priority. Sudan has also expressed concerns. The failure of previous mediation efforts has left the dispute unresolved.
Trump has frequently spoken about the Nile conflict, often exaggerating his success. He has claimed to have “resolved” the issue, despite the lack of a treaty. His recent acknowledgement of the dam as a “big problem” suggests he wants to see a real solution.
By offering to coordinate the negotiations, Trump is positioning himself as a central figure in African diplomacy. His focus on a “strong United States role” suggests he believes that only American influence can bring the parties to an agreement.