US Signals Shift on Renaissance Dam, Urging Egypt to "Face Reality"
In a significant and unexpected shift in tone, the United States has reportedly advised Egypt to move beyond political maneuvering and accept the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a completed reality. This message was delivered by Massad Boulos, recently appointed as President Trump's Senior Advisor for African Affairs, during a period of intensified lobbying by Cairo for US pressure on Ethiopia.
Boulos, in an interview with Al Arabiya, emphasized that the dispute over the massive hydroelectric dam requires a technical, not a political, solution. His statements suggest a new pragmatism in Washington's approach to the long-standing issue that has been a source of tension in the region.
"We all want the issue to be resolved and for it to be acceptable to everyone, especially on the technical side," Boulos stated. "Because the issue is technical, it requires a technical response."
The core of the US message to Egypt appears to be a call for acknowledging the current status of the dam, which is now fully constructed and operational. "Now that the dam is completed, it is a reality. A solution is needed around this on-the-ground reality," the American diplomat was quoted as saying. He explicitly warned against politicizing the completed project, stating, "Don't make it political now that the dam is finished."
This stance represents a notable departure from previous US rhetoric, which at times was perceived as more sympathetic to Egypt's concerns about water security. The new approach underscores a desire to facilitate a lasting agreement between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, with the US offering its support to help the parties reach a consensus.
The appointment of Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, to a key Africa advisory role has been seen as a move to inject new energy and a different perspective into US-Africa relations. His direct and unambiguous comments on the GERD are being interpreted as a clear signal of the Trump administration's foreign policy direction in the region.
The US is now publicly advocating for a resolution that is grounded in technical cooperation and mutual understanding, a position that aligns closely with Ethiopia's long-held stance. This development is likely to be welcomed in Addis Ababa, which has consistently argued that the dam is a crucial element of its economic development and will not cause significant harm to downstream nations.
For Egypt, this unexpected response from a key ally will necessitate a re-evaluation of its diplomatic strategy. The focus may now need to shift from seeking international pressure to halt the project to engaging in earnest technical negotiations to secure a favorable agreement on the dam's operation and water management.
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