Donald Trump is convinced that the “right technical expertise” can solve the Nile water crisis. The former President has offered to mediate the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, suggesting that a data-driven approach can resolve the conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
In a message to Cairo, Trump proposed a return to U.S.-led talks. He argued that with American monitoring, a system of “predictable water releases” could be established for Egypt. This would allow Ethiopia to operate the dam for power generation without endangering downstream communities.
The conflict has been a stalemate for over a decade. The dam is now operational, but the mistrust between the nations remains deep. Egypt demands a legal treaty to govern water flow, while Ethiopia prefers a looser arrangement. The impasse has frustrated international efforts.
Trump’s previous engagement with the issue was controversial but persistent. He has frequently claimed to have “ended” the dispute, despite the reality on the ground. His recent comments acknowledging the dam as a “big problem” show he is still following developments closely.
By focusing on the technical aspects of the dispute, Trump is trying to depoliticize the negotiations. His offer to provide expertise and monitoring suggests a practical path to a deal. If accepted, it could lead to a breakthrough in one of the world’s most difficult water conflicts.
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