Trump offers to restart US mediation in Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia
January 16, 2026
President Donald Trump says he’s ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile River water sharing. Mediation efforts began during Trump’s first term but collapsed in 2020 when Ethiopia withdrew. Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam last fall, which could double its electricity generation. Egypt opposes the dam, fearing it will reduce its Nile water share. Trump posted a letter to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi expressing his readiness to mediate. Trump often claims credit for ending conflicts, though some claims are exaggerated.