CAIRO (AP) — Egypt and Sudan welcomed on Saturday President Donald Trump’s offer to resume U.S. mediation efforts with Ethiopia to resolve a long-running Nile River water dispute following Addis Ababa's construction of a giant dam. Egypt sees the dam as a “grave violation of international law" that poses "an existential threat,” fearing a severe effect on Nile water flow. Egypt, a mostly desert country, depends on the Nile River to supply its booming population of 110 million with fresh water. El-Sissi has said that his country’s share of Nile water is “ untouchable,” though he favored resolving the dispute through negotiations. Ethiopia says the $5 billion dam is essential, arguing the vast majority of its population lacks electricity.

Source: Ethiopian News January 17, 2026 12:16 UTC