Donald Trump wants to “avert conflict” over the massive Ethiopian dam that threatens the Nile’s flow. The former President has offered to mediate the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, proposing a renewed diplomatic push to settle the controversy surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Trump’s solution is based on mutual benefit. He envisions a deal where Ethiopia generates the electricity it needs to develop, while Egypt receives guaranteed water releases to survive. He argues that with “fair and transparent negotiations,” this outcome is within reach.
The GERD is the largest hydroelectric project in Africa and a source of immense national pride for Ethiopia. However, for Egypt and Sudan, it represents a potential threat to their water supplies. The lack of a binding agreement on the dam’s operation has kept the region on the brink of crisis.
Trump has a personal interest in the dispute, often citing it as part of his peace-making record. He has described the dam as a “big problem” due to its size and location. His offer to mediate is an attempt to prevent the political dispute from escalating into a military one.
This latest move highlights Trump’s confidence in his negotiating skills. By offering to bring “technical expertise” to the table, he is hoping to find a scientific solution to a political problem. The proposal aims to provide the certainty that both nations need to move forward.