Donald Trump believes “predictable water releases” are the essential ingredient for peace on the Nile. The former President has offered to mediate the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, proposing a technical agreement to govern the operations of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
In his letter to President El-Sisi, Trump outlined a strategy to satisfy both nations. He supports Ethiopia’s ambition to generate electricity but insists that this cannot come at the expense of Egypt’s water security. He argues that a U.S.-monitored schedule of water releases is the only way to ensure stability.
The conflict has dragged on for years, resisting the efforts of the African Union and other mediators. The dam is now a reality, but the rules for its operation remain undefined. Egypt fears that without a binding deal, it will be vulnerable to water shortages dictated by Ethiopia.
Trump’s return to the issue signals a desire to complete unfinished business. He has frequently mentioned the Nile dispute in his speeches, often framing it as a major global risk. His description of the dam as a “big problem” highlights the urgency he attaches to the situation.
This new mediation offer places the U.S. in a central role. Trump’s willingness to commit American resources to monitoring the agreement suggests he believes that external verification is the key to success. It is a pragmatic proposal aimed at solving a complex hydrological puzzle.