US President Donald Trump has offered to restart US mediation efforts to resolve the contentious Nile River water sharing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia. In a letter to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, released by the White House on 16/1, Trump expressed readiness to definitively and responsibly address the issue, particularly concerning Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The dispute centers on the GERD, which Ethiopia inaugurated in 9/2025. Egypt views the dam as an existential threat, as the nation faces drought conditions and relies on the Nile River for 97% of its water needs.

President Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on 16/1. *AFP*.

The 4 billion USD GERD project is Africa's largest hydroelectric endeavor, designed to more than double Ethiopia's electricity capacity. The US leader stated his hope to find a solution that provides a stable water supply for Egypt and Sudan, while allowing Ethiopia to sell or supply electricity to these two nations.

Trump emphasized that no nation in the region should unilaterally control the Nile River's precious resources or harm its neighbors. Mediation efforts by the US, the World Bank, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the African Union have all failed over the past decade to resolve disputes surrounding the dam.

Location of the GERD hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia (red square dot). *Reuters graphic*.

This renewed offer follows past controversial remarks by President Trump, who previously stated his desire to find a peaceful solution, but also warned that Egypt "would blow up that dam." This comment shocked both Egypt and Ethiopia. Ethiopia summoned the US ambassador for clarification and declared it would resist any attack.

Vu Hoang, *AFP, Reuters*.