MWE Correspondent
United States President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to help revive long-stalled negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia over the controversial hydroelectric dam on the Nile, signaling a renewed push for dialogue on one of Africa’s most sensitive water disputes.
Trump made the remarks following discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a high-level international economic forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
At the center of the dispute is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive hydroelectric project Ethiopia considers essential for its economic transformation and long-term energy security. The dam, once fully operational, is expected to supply electricity to millions and position Ethiopia as a regional power exporter. Yet for downstream nations, especially Egypt, the project has raised deep concerns over future access to Nile waters.
Egypt depends almost entirely on the Nile River for its freshwater needs, supporting agriculture, industry, and a population of more than 100 million people. Officials in Cairo have repeatedly warned that any uncoordinated filling or operation of the dam could significantly affect water flows, particularly during prolonged droughts. President al-Sisi has consistently called for a binding agreement that guarantees transparency, data sharing, and clear rules on how the dam is managed.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, has defended the project as a sovereign development initiative, arguing that the dam will not cause substantial harm to downstream countries. Ethiopian leaders say the structure is designed to regulate, not block, river flow and could eventually benefit the wider region by reducing seasonal flooding and encouraging cooperation across the Nile Basin. Addis Ababa has also stressed that access to reliable electricity is critical for lifting millions out of poverty.
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Past negotiation efforts, involving regional blocs and international partners, have repeatedly failed to deliver a final agreement. Disagreements have persisted over technical details, legal commitments, and mechanisms for resolving future disputes. Trump’s comments suggest Washington may once again seek to play a facilitating role, encouraging compromise and renewed talks after years of diplomatic deadlock.
Analysts note that water security is becoming an increasingly important issue globally, particularly as climate change intensifies competition over shared resources. In Africa, the Nile remains not just a river, but a strategic lifeline whose management has implications for regional stability, food security, and economic growth. The dispute has also drawn the attention of the African Union, which has attempted to mediate talks among the concerned states.
Whether Trump’s intervention will translate into concrete progress remains uncertain. However, his pledge has once again brought international focus to the Nile dam issue, raising cautious hopes that fresh diplomatic engagement could help bridge longstanding differences and move the parties closer to a sustainable and cooperative solution.
