In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) could pose a severe risk to downstream nations, warning it might fail and cause catastrophic flooding in Sudan and Egypt.
Trump said he received alarming reports suggesting structural instability, calling the dam “a potentially dangerous structure” and urging international stakeholders to demand thorough safety inspections. Though he did not provide technical evidence, he urged Ethiopia to invite independent engineers to verify the dam’s resilience.
The Grand Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been at the center of long-running diplomatic negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, with upstream and downstream countries expressing concerns about water allocation and reservoir management.
Ethiopian officials have consistently insisted the dam meets international safety standards and noted that construction has advanced without incident. They reaffirmed their commitment to resolving any downstream concerns through ongoing trilateral diplomacy.
Experts on hydrology and dam safety have challenged Trump’s assertions, pointing out that the GERD was engineered for structural integrity and designed to operate under extreme weather scenarios. They caution that without empirical data, such public alarm may unnecessarily escalate tensions in a region already rife with diplomatic sensitivity.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s remarks may reflect his broader strategy of engaging African issues ahead of potential re-election campaigns, highlighting geopolitical tensions over continental infrastructure projects.
As the GERD continues to be filled over multiple phases, Ethiopia has called on neighbouring countries to trust the process, while urging international and regional actors to support constructive dialogues based on scientific assessments and mutual benefit.
