Donald Trump believes the “right technical expertise” can solve the problem of the “little dam” in Ethiopia. The former President has offered to mediate the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, suggesting that science and engineering can bridge the gap between Egypt and Ethiopia.
In his message to Cairo, Trump proposed a solution based on data and monitoring. He wants to ensure Ethiopia can generate power while guaranteeing “predictable water releases” for Egypt. This technical focus aims to bypass the political deadlock that has characterized negotiations for the past decade.
The dam, which Trump ironically referred to as “little” despite it being the largest in Africa, is a major point of contention. Egypt relies on the Nile for survival and views the dam as a threat. Sudan shares these concerns. The dam’s operation without a legal agreement has kept the region on edge.
Trump has frequently discussed the dispute, often framing it as a personal diplomatic victory despite the lack of a treaty. He has criticized the dam’s impact on the Nile, stating it is a “big problem.” His return to the issue signals a desire to validate his previous efforts.
By offering U.S. coordination, Trump is hoping to restart talks that stalled under the Biden administration. His emphasis on a technical solution suggests he views the conflict as a management issue rather than an intractable political feud, offering a potential path forward for the Nile Basin nations.