The long-standing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has flared up again this time, following controversial remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking recently, Trump vowed to “solve” the ongoing water conflict between the two nations, asserting that Egypt’s access to Nile water must be preserved. His comments have sparked outrage in Ethiopia, where many view his stance as overtly biased and inflammatory.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, sits on the Blue Nile and has been at the center of a decade long diplomatic standoff. For Ethiopia, the dam is a symbol of national pride and a key to its economic future, promising electricity access for millions and energy exports across East Africa. For Egypt, however, the dam poses a threat to its primary water source, with the Nile supplying about 90% of the country’s fresh water needs.
Trump’s statements, which echo a 2020 comment suggesting Egypt might “blow up” the dam, were condemned by Ethiopian officials and citizens alike. Former Ethiopian water negotiator Fekahmed Negash described the remarks as “partisan” and harmful to fair diplomacy. Many Ethiopians argue that their country has the sovereign right to harness its natural resources without foreign interference.
Despite years of talks involving the U.S., African Union, United Nations, and World Bank, no binding agreement has been reached on the dam’s operation and water release policies. Egypt has continued to push for an international legal deal that guarantees its water share, while Ethiopia prefers a flexible framework based on regional cooperation.
The GERD, which began operations in stages between 2022 and 2024, has a generation capacity of over 6,000 megawatts doubling Ethiopia’s electricity output. Its construction, funded domestically by Ethiopians, cost nearly $5 billion and was completed in the face of external pressure and global mediation efforts.
Trump’s re-entry into the debate has been met with mixed reactions. While Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed the renewed attention, hoping for a “fair resolution,” Ethiopia has remained firm in defending its position. The dam’s strategic and developmental importance remains non-negotiable for Addis Ababa.
As the region braces for more diplomatic maneuvering, the stakes remain high. Water, power, and sovereignty are on the line each country determined not to yield. Whether Trump’s involvement leads to a breakthrough or deepens the divide remains to be seen.