Egypt has officially welcomed an offer from President Donald Trump to mediate the long-standing dispute over Nile River waters with Ethiopia. This call for U.S. involvement comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations regarding water security. In a letter sent on October 23, 2020, Trump expressed his readiness to “restart U.S. mediation” to resolve what he termed the issue of “The Nile Water Sharing” once and for all.
Responding positively, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the Nile River as “the lifeline of the Egyptian people.” He reiterated Egypt’s support for Trump’s mediation efforts during a statement on October 24, 2020. The ongoing conflict intensified earlier in September 2020, when Ethiopia commenced construction of the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt has voiced significant concerns regarding potential reductions in water flow downstream, which it fears could threaten its water supply.
Ethiopia, which boasts a population exceeding 120 million, views the dam as crucial to its ambitions of becoming a major power exporter through hydroelectric energy. In contrast, Egypt argues that the dam contravenes international agreements and could severely impact its access to fresh water, particularly during periods of drought. The Egyptian government has expressed worries that Ethiopia might increase water usage during such times, exacerbating the situation.
The potential for military action has been hinted at by both nations, raising concerns among experts about the risk of conflict should diplomatic talks falter. El-Sisi stated, “Egypt has affirmed its commitment to serious and constructive cooperation with the Nile Basin countries, based on the principles of international law, in a manner that achieves shared interests without causing harm to any party.”
Sudan’s army leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, also welcomed Trump’s mediation offer, indicating a broader regional interest in resolving this pressing issue. Historically, Trump has shown support for El-Sisi, notably during a visit to Egypt in October 2019, where he signed a deal related to the Gaza conflict and echoed Cairo’s concerns regarding the Nile.
During his first term, Trump made headlines in 2020 with controversial remarks suggesting that Egypt might resort to drastic measures regarding the dam, stating, “They’ll blow up that dam. And they have to do something.” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded at the time, asserting that his country would “not cave in to aggression of any kind,” signaling a commitment to its development plans.
On a related note, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced that El-Sisi is considering an invitation from Trump to participate in a “Board of Peace” for Gaza, part of a broader long-term initiative by the Trump administration aimed at establishing peace in the region. As discussions continue, the stakes remain high for both Egypt and Ethiopia, with the Nile River’s future hanging in the balance.