Africa Watch
US Backs Egypt in Nile Dam Dispute with Ethiopia
The United States has re-entered the long-running dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), signalling support for Egypt’s demand for guaranteed Nile water flows while proposing that Ethiopia share or sell electricity generated from the massive hydropower project as part of a broader settlement.
In a January 16, 2026, letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was “ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia” to resolve what he described as the unresolved question of Nile water sharing. The move marks a renewed American push after years of stalled talks led by the African Union.
Trump acknowledged the strategic and existential importance of the Nile River to Egypt, while stressing the need to safeguard water security for Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia through coordinated management, technical oversight and fair negotiations.
GERD: Ethiopia’s Energy Ambition, Regional Flashpoint
GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been a source of regional tension since construction began in 2011. Ethiopia completed the over $4 billion project in July 2025, largely financed through domestic bonds and diaspora contributions, and officially inaugurated the dam on September 9, 2025.
The dam has a 6,450-megawatt capacity, with a reservoir capable of holding 74 billion cubic metres of water across nearly 1,874 square kilometres. Ethiopia has already begun partial power generation and plans to use the facility to meet domestic energy needs while earning foreign exchange through electricity exports across the region.
Egypt and Sudan’s Downstream Fears
Downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, have repeatedly warned that the dam threatens their water security if not properly coordinated. In a joint statement issued days after GERD’s inauguration in September 2025, Cairo and Khartoum described Ethiopia’s actions as “unilateral” and warned of a “continuous threat to regional stability.”
Sudan has expressed concern that uncoordinated water releases could endanger its Roseires Dam, located about 110 kilometres downstream, while Egypt has long argued that any disruption to Nile flows could have severe consequences for its agriculture, population and economy.
Despite mediation efforts involving the African Union, the United States, the European Union and the UN Security Council, Ethiopia has consistently rejected binding international oversight, maintaining that GERD is a sovereign development project.
Washington’s Energy-for-Water Proposal
Trump’s intervention introduces a link between energy cooperation and water security, proposing that Ethiopia’s hydropower ambitions be balanced with downstream guarantees.
“A successful deal will guarantee predictable water releases during droughts and prolonged dry years for Egypt and the Sudan,” Trump wrote, “while allowing Ethiopia to generate very substantial amounts of electricity, perhaps some of which can be given, or sold, to Egypt.”
He described resolving the GERD dispute as a top diplomatic priority, warning that failure to do so could escalate into conflict.
“I very much hope that this understandable dispute over the GERD will not escalate into a major military conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia,” he said.
For Africa, the renewed U.S. involvement demonstrates the global stakes of Nile Basin stability, as water security, energy transition and regional peace intersect.
Pope Leo XIV will depart on Monday, April 13, 2026, for a major 10-day apostolic journey to Africa, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Vatican officials are describing the tour as a deliberate effort to shine a global spotlight on the continent.
The trip, spanning nearly 18,000 kilometers (11,185 miles) and including stops in 11 cities and towns, will be the longest and most ambitious overseas journey of the pontiff’s young papacy.
During the tour, running from April 13 to 23, the 70-year-old Pope is scheduled to deliver 25 speeches, hold meetings with political leaders, and engage extensively with local Catholic communities.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official and close adviser to Pope Leo, said the visit is intended “to help turn the world’s attention to Africa.”
He noted that by heading to the continent early in his pontificate, the first American Pope is sending a strong message that “Africa matters” and should not be overlooked amid other global concerns.
Africa is currently the fastest-growing region for Catholicism, with more than 20% of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics now living on the continent. Equatorial Guinea, which has not hosted a papal visit since 1982, is over 70% Catholic, while significant Catholic populations exist in Cameroon and Angola. Algeria, by contrast, is overwhelmingly Muslim with a small Catholic community.
The tour comes as Pope Leo has taken an increasingly vocal stance against the ongoing war in Iran. Vatican officials say the African visit reflects both the Church’s pastoral priorities and its commitment to global solidarity with regions often marginalized in international discourse.
Washington, D.C. – The United States has issued a strong travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider all travel to Nigeria, citing persistent threats of terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and armed attacks across large parts of the country.
In an update released last Wednesday, the US State Department placed several Nigerian states under its highest-level “Do Not Travel” warning due to the deteriorating security situation.
The advisory also authorised the voluntary departure of non-emergency US embassy staff and their families from Abuja, describing the overall environment as increasingly challenging for American citizens and diplomats.
Despite deepening security cooperation between Washington and Abuja — including counter-terrorism support, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and military training with US-supplied aircraft and helicopters — the move underscores the gap between strategic partnership and the daily reality of insecurity faced by civilians and foreigners in many regions.
The advisory warns that violent attacks could occur with little or no warning in public places such as markets, hotels, places of worship, schools, and transportation hubs.
Nigerian authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the latest warning. In the past, officials have criticised such advisories for unfairly tarnishing the country’s image and potentially harming diaspora travel, international conferences, and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria is seeking economic recovery.
The development comes amid a fresh surge in deadly attacks in parts of the country, raising renewed concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations against groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as banditry and communal violence in other regions.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ghana Embassy in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA has officially launched “Ghana Month,” a major cultural and diplomatic initiative aimed at deepening ties between Ghana and Ethiopia while showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage across Africa.
The celebration, running throughout May 2026 at Kuriftu Village in partnership with Kuriftu Resorts, will feature cultural performances, creative exhibitions, music, fashion, culinary experiences, and entrepreneurial showcases. It is expected to attract diplomats, business leaders, tourists, and the Ethiopian public.
Counsellor Ms Grace Maakinyi Mbiba, in her opening remarks, described the initiative as “an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Ghana’s heritage and the dynamism of its creative and entrepreneurial sectors.”
Ambassador Dr Robert Afriyie commended Kuriftu Resorts for the collaboration, calling it a true embodiment of Pan-Africanism. He noted that the event aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of using tourism, culture, music, fashion, and history to promote continental unity and economic cooperation.
The Ambassador highlighted the growing bilateral relationship between Ghana and Ethiopia and positioned the month-long celebration as a practical platform to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.
The initiative is expected to boost tourism, trade, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
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