Trump Proposes US Mediation in Nile Water Conflict
Former United States President Donald Trump has stepped forward with a diplomatic offer. He wrote directly to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Friday. In his letter, Trump proposed that the United States could restart its mediation role. The goal is to resolve the long-standing dispute over Nile River waters between Egypt and Ethiopia.
A Personal Appeal and a Formal Offer
Trump posted the letter on his Truth Social account. He addressed President Sisi directly. "In the spirit of our personal friendship and America's commitment to peace and the well-being of Egypt's people, I am ready to restart US mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia," Trump wrote. He emphasized his desire to resolve the question of Nile water sharing responsibly and permanently.
The former president acknowledged the critical importance of the Nile. "My team and I understand the deep significance of the Nile River to Egypt and its people," he stated. Trump expressed his intention to help achieve a solution. This solution would secure the water needs of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia for the long term.
Principles for a Fair Agreement
Trump's letter outlined key principles for any future agreement. He made the US position clear. "The United States affirms that no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile, and disadvantage its neighbors in the process," the letter read.
He expressed hope for a lasting deal. Trump believes a successful outcome is possible with the right approach. He listed essential components:
- The right technical expertise.
- Fair and transparent negotiations.
- A strong United States role in monitoring and coordinating between the parties.
"We can achieve a lasting agreement for all Nile Basin Nations," he wrote optimistically.
Envisioning a Mutually Beneficial Outcome
The former president painted a picture of a potential win-win scenario. A successful agreement, he suggested, would have clear benefits for all sides.
- It would guarantee predictable water releases for Egypt and Sudan during droughts and dry years.
- It would allow Ethiopia to generate substantial amounts of electricity from its dam.
- Some of this electricity could potentially be provided or sold to Egypt and Sudan.
Trump also took a moment to thank President Sisi. He acknowledged Sisi's leadership in successfully mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This is notable given Trump's past description of Sisi as "my favorite dictator."
The Root of the Conflict
The dispute centers on Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Addis Ababa inaugurated this massive $5 billion hydroelectric project on September 9. Ethiopia, a nation of over 120 million people, sees the dam as central to its economic development and energy future.
However, the dam sits on a tributary of the Nile. Egypt, which is downstream, views it with great alarm. Cairo argues that the dam violates international treaties. Egyptian officials fear it could cause severe water shortages (droughts) or unexpected flooding. Ethiopia firmly rejects these claims.
Trump has previously praised President Sisi and echoed Cairo's concerns about the water issue. This latest letter represents a direct attempt to insert himself as a potential peacemaker in one of Africa's most sensitive geopolitical conflicts.
