Trump Eyes US Role to Resolve Egypt, Ethiopia Dam Conflict/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump expressed interest in mediating the long-running dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump said he wants both nations to reach a peaceful resolution over critical Nile River water rights.
Trump Calls for Resolution in Nile Dam Dispute Quick Looks
- President Trump met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Davos
- Trump said he hopes to bring Egypt and Ethiopia together for negotiations
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam remains a flashpoint between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan
- Egypt and Sudan argue the dam threatens their vital Nile water supply
- The comments came during Trump’s bilateral meetings at the World Economic Forum
- After meeting Sisi, Trump planned to meet with leaders from Poland and Belgium
- U.S. press secretary confirmed a closed-door agenda followed by Trump’s speech to business leaders
- The White House reiterated Trump’s interest in conflict resolution and regional stability
- Ethiopia inaugurated the GERD in September 2025, intensifying tensions
- African nations cautiously welcomed U.S. offers to resume mediation talks
Deep Look
Trump Seeks to Mediate Nile Dam Dispute Amid Davos Diplomatic Blitz
DAVOS, Switzerland — January 21, 2026
In a high-profile moment at the World Economic Forum, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his desire to mediate one of Africa’s most volatile geopolitical disputes: the impasse between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Trump stated that he would like to bring both Egypt and Ethiopia to the negotiating table to broker a peaceful resolution over the dam project, which has threatened to destabilize relations in the Horn of Africa and the broader Nile River basin.
“This is a very solvable issue,” Trump reportedly said behind closed doors, according to senior administration aides. “We would like to see both sides come to an understanding that preserves peace and regional security.”
GERD Dispute at a Glance
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive hydroelectric project constructed along the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, was inaugurated in September 2025. Ethiopia views the dam as essential to its energy future, potentially supplying electricity to millions.
However, Egypt and Sudan have voiced strong opposition to the dam’s operation, citing concerns about reduced water flow from the Nile River, which supplies over 90% of Egypt’s fresh water. Egyptian officials have long asserted that any interference with the Nile’s flow poses a direct threat to national security.
Trump’s Diplomatic Push in Davos
The Davos forum served as a platform for Trump’s continued diplomatic outreach. Alongside President al-Sisi, Trump is also scheduled to meet with leaders from Poland and Belgium, followed by a sit-down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president’s meetings with world leaders were being held behind closed doors to allow for frank discussions on both economic and geopolitical issues.
“President Trump is engaging directly with key global leaders to promote stability and cooperation,” Leavitt said. “The situation regarding the Nile River is one of many pressing international issues we’re monitoring closely.”
After his meetings, Trump is expected to address global business leaders at the forum, with topics ranging from trade to international development and energy policy.
A History of U.S. Involvement
The United States has previously attempted to mediate the Nile dispute during Trump’s first term, organizing talks in Washington in 2020 that ultimately collapsed. At the time, Ethiopia accused the U.S. of bias in favor of Egypt, while Egypt praised American efforts to secure a binding agreement.
Now, with renewed tensions following the dam’s official launch, Trump’s latest offer could mark a turning point—or ignite further diplomatic backlash if perceived as favoring one side.
Reactions from the Region
Early responses to Trump’s latest remarks were mixed. Egyptian officials welcomed the renewed offer of American involvement, while Sudanese diplomats indicated cautious optimism. Ethiopian representatives at Davos declined to comment directly on Trump’s proposal.
African Union leaders have generally encouraged regional solutions to the dispute, but have not objected to international mediation when balanced and transparent.
Meanwhile, international observers have warned that any mediation must respect African sovereignty and be sensitive to decades of historical grievances over water rights.
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