Egypt Welcomes US Involvement in Resolving the Nile Conflict

CAIRO – The prospect of American intervention in the longstanding Nile waters dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia has been met with cautious optimism. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to mediate holds promise for resolving tensions that have simmered for years.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), an ambitious infrastructure project on the Blue Nile, has been a focal point of contention. This dam, resting on one of the most critical tributaries of the Nile River, is viewed by Egypt as a potential threat to its water lifeline—a resource that serves over 97 percent of Egyptian water needs.

During a discussion at the White House with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Trump underscored the critical nature of Nile water for Egypt. He poignantly remarked, “I think if I were Egypt, I would want to have water in the Nile, and we are working on that.” These words echo a broader sentiment shared by many Egyptians concerning their dependency on the river in an otherwise arid landscape.

Trump’s vocal criticism of the Ethiopian initiative was unmistakable. “It closes off water to the Nile,” he asserted, highlighting Cairo’s deep concern over the restrictions posed by the dam. Yet, he conveyed a commitment: a fervent desire to foster a peaceable and mutually satisfactory resolution to this aquatic impasse.

This is not the first time President Trump has addressed the GERD issue. Just last month, he rekindled conversations by pointing to previous administrations’ roles in funding the Ethiopian project. His comments fueled hopes that the U.S. might bridge the divide, paving the way for a peaceful settlement.

Despite 12 years of rigorous negotiation involving Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan—another riparian state—progress has remained elusive. Egypt has accused Ethiopia of unilaterally dismissing previous agreements, particularly the 2015 Declaration of Principles, which aimed to address such concerns collaboratively.

“Diplomacy’s subtle art might yet carve paths where iron-walls have stood.”

Intriguingly, Egypt has also extended its influence beyond the immediate issue, vowing to safeguard Somalia’s waters. Such maneuvers are perceived as strategic responses to Ethiopia’s regional ambitions, particularly its interest in establishing a military presence in Somalia. This development has led Egypt to deploy elite forces within Somalia for peacekeeping, a move signaling broader geopolitical dynamics.

In a further display of strategic depth, Egypt has engaged in military collaborations with Somalia, aiming to bolster its influence in the Horn of Africa. The signing of a military pact between Egypt and Somalia underscores a growing axis of cooperation, poised against Ethiopia’s broader regional aspirations.

The intricacies of this water saga not only highlight immediate political challenges but also weave a larger narrative of power dynamics in a resource-scarce region. As the world watches, one must ponder: Can headway be made where history has largely seen gridlock?