Trump returns to Nile mediation in direct appeal to El-Sisi
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump sends personal letter to Egyptian President El-Sisi pledging U.S. oversight in Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam talks.
- Proposal includes water guarantees, electricity sharing, and trilateral agreement framework with Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
US President Donald Trump signaled a major shift in US foreign policy today, sending a personal letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi promising a “restart” of American mediation over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
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The letter, shared by Trump on Truth Social, escalates US involvement in East African water security. It arrives after Egypt played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between 'Israel' and Hamas, giving Cairo increased diplomatic leverage.
A Focus on Water Security
Trump emphasized the existential stakes of the Nile River for Egypt, warning that no state should "unilaterally control" the river’s resources. He described the GERD dispute as "truly understandable" and stressed the importance of "fair and transparent negotiations" to avoid military conflict.
"Resolving the tensions around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is at the very top of my agenda, as I work for lasting peace in the Middle East and Africa," Trump wrote.
Trilateral Deal Proposals
The letter outlined a framework for a lasting agreement among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, including:
- Predictable Water Releases: Guarantees for downstream flows during droughts.
- Electricity Sharing: Ethiopia to supply hydroelectric power to neighbors.
- US Oversight: Washington to monitor compliance and coordinate negotiations.
Regional Coalition Building
The correspondence was carbon-copied to key regional powers, signaling a broader coalition. Recipients include Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, and Sudanese and Ethiopian leaders.
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Background of the Dispute
The GERD, under construction since 2011, has been a point of contention. Ethiopia sees it as critical for development, while Egypt fears severe reductions to its Nile water supply. Previous mediation, including the first Trump administration in 2020, failed to produce a binding treaty. With the dam nearing full operational capacity, Trump’s renewed involvement revives the diplomatic “race against the clock.”
