Trump said the objective is a lasting settlement that reflects the Nile’s critical importance for Egypt, while creating room for cooperation across the basin. On one side, it seeks to secure predictable and regular water releases during dry periods for Egypt and Sudan. GERD at the core of the disputeAt the center of the standoff is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), inaugurated in September 2025 on the Blue Nile near the Sudanese border. Authorities see it as a driver of electrification, industrial growth, and more efficient use of national water resources in a country where power access remains uneven. The history of the project reflects the sensitivity of the issue, with past leaks and public statements alluding to military scenarios tied to Nile water security.
