US President Donald Trump has proposed restarting American mediation to resolve the longstanding Nile River dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. In a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi dated January 16, 2026, Trump stressed preventing escalation to major military conflict and ensuring fair water sharing.
In a move aimed at easing regional tensions, US President Donald J. Trump announced his administration's readiness to restart mediation between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Nile water sharing. The letter to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi emphasized that no regional state should unilaterally control the Nile's precious resources, harming its neighbors.
Trump wrote: "We are prepared to responsibly resolve the question of 'The Nile Water Sharing' once and for all," expressing hope that the understandable dispute remains contained and does not escalate into "major Military conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia." He placed resolving these tensions at the "very top" of his agenda for peace in Africa and the Middle East.
The proposed US approach would guarantee predictable water releases during droughts for downstream Egypt and Sudan, while allowing Ethiopia to generate substantial electricity, some of which could be sold or given to neighbors. Trump added: "I believe that with the right technical expertise, fair and transparent negotiations, and a strong United States role in monitoring and coordinating between parties, we can achieve a lasting agreement for all Nile Basin Nations."
Trump also commended Al-Sisi's leadership in mediating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and managing security and humanitarian challenges since October 7, 2023, noting that the Gaza-Israel conflict has "weighed heavily on Egyptians, not just their neighbors." The letter was copied to regional leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, and Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan.
