Trump raises Nile dispute in talks with Egypt
Evian, June 17
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he is helping Egypt with a dispute over a major dam project in Ethiopia, signalling renewed American interest in one of Africa's most sensitive water-sharing conflicts.
Speaking at the start of a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump said the two leaders would discuss trade as well as the future of the Nile River.
Trump opened the meeting by saying he was helping the Egyptian President "with a little dam project".
He added that the two leaders would discuss trade and the Nile "because the Nile is getting a little emptier than it should be".
Trump said a dam built in Ethiopia was "causing more problems than it should be".
The remarks appeared to refer to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile that has long been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan.
El-Sisi focused on regional diplomacy and praised Trump for what he described as a breakthrough in efforts to reduce tensions with Iran.
"Big congratulations for the breakthrough you've reached Mr. President restoring peace," el-Sisi said through an interpreter.
"Once the deal was announced, there has been great appreciation and the admiration has increased," he added.
The Egyptian President also complimented Trump's handling of the crisis.
He said that Trump had shown "marvelous management" and noted the attention he received from other leaders during a summit dinner.
"I observed during the dinner last night that you were surrounded, Mr. President, by all the world leaders. They didn't leave you for a moment to enjoy your dinner," el-Sisi said.
Trump responded by highlighting financial markets.
"Most people seem to be really happy and who's really happy is the market," he said.
While Egypt asserts that upstream development on the Nile must not threaten its water security, Ethiopia maintains that the dam is essential for meeting its development and electricity needs.
The dispute has remained unresolved despite years of negotiations involving African governments, international mediators and outside powers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I understand water conflicts very well. We have our own issues with Cauvery, Krishna, and other rivers. But the Nile dispute is more like India-Pakistan water issues - deeply political. Trump's casual tone shows he doesn't grasp the gravity. Egypt gets 90% of its water from Nile and Ethiopia sees the dam as its lifeline for power. This needs delicate diplomacy, not one-liners.
I'm a water resources engineer from India and this is fascinating. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is massive - 6,000 MW capacity. For context, that's like building multiple Bhakra Nangal dams! Ethiopia absolutely needs this for its 110 million people. But Egypt's historical rights can't be ignored. We should learn from how India managed the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan despite all tensions.
The way el-Sisi was buttering up Trump - "marvelous management", "surrounded by world leaders" - that's pure flattery for aid dollars. India doesn't need to grovel like this to any superpower. We have our own water-sharing mechanisms with neighbours through SAARC and bilateral talks. Trump's involvement will only complicate things. Let Africa solve its own problems.
Honestly, I feel for both sides. Egypt has ancient rights on the Nile, but Ethiopia needs to develop. Read an article that 65% of Ethiopians lack electricity. That's worse than many parts of rural India. The dam could change that. But filling the reservoir could take years and reduce downstream flow. Trump's "little dam" comment shows he underestimates the stakes. India should offer its expertise - we have good relations with both countries.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.