Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة مستعدة لاستئناف الوساطة بشأن سد النهضة

According to Allafrica, the United States is ready to resume mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Washington signalling a renewed effort to address the long-running Nile waters dispute.

Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump on African affairs, said the United States was prepared to facilitate renewed talks involving Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. He also said Washington could provide technical support to help the countries resolve outstanding issues surrounding the dam.

The Trump administration wants the parties to return to negotiations and work toward a comprehensive agreement, according to Egypt Independent. Previous rounds involving the three countries and international mediators have not produced a final deal.

Ethiopia built the GERD on the Blue Nile, the Nile’s main tributary, and considers it a major national development project intended to expand electricity-generating capacity and support economic development. Egypt, which relies on the Nile for most of its freshwater needs, has sought a legally binding agreement on the dam’s filling and operation, especially during prolonged drought.

Sudan has taken part in negotiations, highlighting possible benefits from regulated water flows and electricity imports while raising concerns about the dam’s safety and operation. Tensions have persisted since Ethiopia began filling the reservoir without a comprehensive agreement with downstream countries.

The latest US move follows renewed Egyptian warnings over Ethiopia’s plans for additional water infrastructure on the Nile and its tributaries. Egypt has said it will not allow another country to control water flows to downstream states, while Ethiopia has rejected what it views as restrictions on its sovereign right to develop water resources.