Donald Trump is calling for “transparent negotiations” to finally resolve the dispute over Ethiopia’s massive dam. In a letter to Egyptian President El-Sisi, Trump offered to restart mediation efforts, pledging to help Egypt and Ethiopia reach a “lasting agreement” over the Nile.
The former President’s plan is built on verification. He argues that a “successful approach” requires a strong U.S. role in monitoring the dam’s operations. This would ensure that Ethiopia can generate electricity while adhering to strict schedules for water releases, protecting Egypt’s water security.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been a source of regional instability for over a decade. While Ethiopia sees it as a development milestone, Egypt sees it as a catastrophe in waiting. Sudan has also raised alarms. The failure to sign a binding treaty has left the management of the river in a legal gray area.
Trump has frequently inserted himself into this narrative, often exaggerating his past success. He has claimed to have resolved the conflict, though no deal exists. His comments in September, acknowledging the dam as a “big problem,” show a continued engagement with the issue.
This latest move is an attempt to break the deadlock. Trump’s offer of technical expertise aims to provide the objective data needed to build trust. If successful, it would resolve one of the most contentious issues in African politics and secure a vital resource for millions of people.