Hey news buffs! US President Donald Trump just extended a lifeline to the long-running water fight between Egypt and Ethiopia by offering to restart US mediation in the Nile dam dispute.
The centerpiece of the debate is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydropower project. Ethiopia inaugurated it in September, aiming to boost its electricity output by more than double ⚡️.
For Egypt, which relies on the Nile for about 97% of its water needs, any dip in the river’s flow feels like an existential threat. Sudan, also downstream, has voiced concerns over water security and dam safety.
In a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi shared by the White House, Trump wrote, "I am ready to restart US mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of 'The Nile Water Sharing' once and for all." He stressed that no state should control the Nile’s precious resources at the expense of its neighbors.
Trump proposed a deal ensuring predictable water supplies for Egypt and Sudan while letting Ethiopia benefit economically—perhaps by selling or gifting electricity to its downstream neighbors.
Past efforts led by the US, the World Bank, the African Union, Russia and the United Arab Emirates have stalled over water-release schedules and legal guarantees. In Ethiopia, the GERD symbolizes sovereignty and national pride, making compromise a tough sell.
Why does this matter for you? Businesswise, the outcome could reshape regional energy markets and investment opportunities. For students and researchers, it’s a real-world case of diplomacy over shared resources. And for travelers, it highlights how water security can influence local cultures and communities 💧.
Will Trump’s proposal break the ice? Only time will tell, but this renewed offer puts the spotlight back on one of the world’s most vital rivers. Stay tuned! ⏳
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
