Trump offers to restart U.S. mediation in Nile River dispute

President Donald Trump said he is ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile water sharing. Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) last fall.

President Donald Trump said he is ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile water sharing. Washington-led mediations began during his first term but effectively collapsed in 2020 when Ethiopia withdrew. Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) last fall, and Egypt has expressed concern about the dam's impact on its water supply. Key facts: - Trump posted a letter to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi saying he is ready to restart U.S. mediation on Nile water sharing. - Washington-led talks began during Trump's first term and largely ended in 2020 after Ethiopia withdrew; some discussions later continued under the African Union. - Ethiopia completed and inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) last fall; Ethiopia emphasizes increased electricity generation while Egypt has raised concerns about reduced river flows. Summary: The announcement signals an offer to reengage U.S. diplomacy on the long-running Nile water dispute involving the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Past U.S.-led talks ended in 2020 and some discussions have continued under the African Union. Undetermined at this time.