U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to mediate the long running dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the use of Nile River waters, signalling renewed American engagement in one of Africa’s most sensitive geopolitical issues. In a message addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, Trump said Washington was prepared to help restart negotiations aimed at reaching a fair and lasting agreement on Nile water sharing, according to statements cited by Reuters.
The dispute centres on Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, which Addis Ababa sees as critical to meeting its energy and development needs. Egypt, which relies on the Nile for the vast majority of its freshwater supply, has repeatedly warned that the filling and operation of the dam could threaten its water security. Trump said no single country should unilaterally control the Nile in a way that harms others, adding that balanced negotiations could ensure predictable water flows while supporting regional development, as reported by Khaleej times.
Efforts to resolve the impasse have stalled in recent years despite mediation attempts led by the African Union and earlier U.S. involvement. Analysts say Washington’s renewed interest reflects concerns that prolonged deadlock could heighten regional tensions in the Horn of Africa. Egyptian officials have welcomed international support for binding guarantees on dam operations, while Ethiopia has maintained that the project will not significantly harm downstream countries, according to remarks previously published by Egypt’s state information service and Ethiopian government statements.
Trump’s offer comes as both countries face broader economic and political pressures, raising hopes among diplomats that fresh mediation could unlock progress. Whether Ethiopia will accept a revived U.S. role remains uncertain, but observers say any credible pathway to agreement will require trust building measures and technical assurances acceptable to all Nile basin stakeholders, according to regional analysts cited by The Indian Express.
