A letter dated January 16, 2026 and attributed to former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has reignited debate over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the future governance of the Nile River. Though not a treaty or legally binding document, the letter is drawing intense scrutiny for the diplomatic, legal, and geopolitical signals it sends in one of Africa’s most sensitive transboundary disputes.A Subtle Move Away From “Historic Rights”The letter’s most consequential phrase asserts that “no state in this region should unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile.” Legal analysts note that this language aligns more closely with contemporary international water law than with Egypt’s traditional reliance on the 1929 and 1959 Nile agreements, which Ethiopia has never recognized.By invoking principles such as equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation not to cause significant harm, the letter implicitly lends weight to Ethiopia’s long-standing argument that Nile governance must be inclusive, forward-looking, and rooted in post-colonial legal norms.U.S. Mediation Back on the TableThe offer to “restart U.S. mediation” signals a possible American return to a negotiation process Ethiopia has consistently argued should remain African-led, under the auspices of the African Union (AU).For Addis Ababa, renewed external mediation raises concerns about power imbalances and the erosion of AU legitimacy. Egypt, meanwhile, has historically favored internationalization, viewing it as a way to amplify diplomatic leverage. Sudan’s position remains fluid, shaped by ongoing internal political instability.Observers warn that without tight coordination with African institutions, renewed U.S. involvement could shift the focus back to procedural disputes rather than advancing technical and cooperative solutions.Monitoring and Predictable Releases: A Legal Grey ZoneThe letter’s call for a “strong United States role in monitoring” GERD operations and ensuring “predictable water releases during droughts” has raised legal red flags. Monitoring implies enforcement authority, yet no existing treaty grants such powers to any external actor.Critics argue that predictability guarantees could amount to indirect constraints on Ethiopia’s sovereign control over a dam that was fully financed and constructed domestically. In the absence of a binding, mutually negotiated agreement, such language risks creating political expectations that exceed international legal obligations.Energy Cooperation Without ConditionsSuggestions that Ethiopia could supply electricity to Egypt and Sudan have been widely welcomed as confidence-building. However, experts stress that electricity trade is governed by commercial contracts, not international water law.Linking power exports to water concessions, they caution, would set a problematic precedent. Energy cooperation may foster trust, but it remains voluntary and cannot be converted into legal or political compulsion.Security Concerns and the Risk of MilitarizationThe letter’s reference to avoiding “major military conflict” underscores U.S. concern about escalation, but it also normalizes the idea that force remains a conceivable option. For Ethiopia, this reinforces long-standing fears that internationalization could securitize what it views as a purely developmental project.A Signal, Not a SettlementLegally, the letter appears to validate elements of Ethiopia’s argument for equitable Nile use. Diplomatically, it leans toward Egypt by reopening the door to external mediation. Institutionally, it risks sidelining African-led frameworks. Politically, it raises expectations without offering enforceable commitments.Policy analysts argue that Ethiopia’s next steps should include anchoring any mediation firmly within the African Union, reaffirming sovereignty over GERD operations under international law, clearly separating water governance from energy cooperation, and insisting that mediation does not evolve into arbitration by pressure.The letter may not carry legal force. But in the geopolitics of the Nile, signals often shape outcomes long before the law does.

Trump Letter Rekindles Nile Tensions, Quietly Redrawing the Legal Lines on GERD

On March 8, 2026—International Women’s Day—the warm, intimate space of Hirut Jazz in Toronto became the setting for a memorable literary debut. Author and journalist Sosina Ashenafi introduced her short story collection Orange Coat (ብርቱካናማው ኮት), offering readers an evening where literature, culture, and reflection intertwined.The book—known in Amharic as Birtukanamaw Kot—presents a series of stories that delve into the layered realities of human experience. Ashenafi explores themes of womanhood, intimacy, displacement, longing, envy, love, and mortality, all while illuminating the subtle tensions within social bonds. Her storytelling is marked by a quiet intensity, where even the smallest emotional shifts are rendered with striking clarity.Rather than standing at a distance, Ashenafi writes from within her characters’ inner worlds. Her prose carries a closeness that makes each story feel lived-in, as if the reader is not merely observing but inhabiting the emotional terrain. The result is a collection that feels deeply personal, yet widely relatable.A defining feature of Orange Coat is its refusal to settle into easy conclusions. Ashenafi’s endings resist closure; instead, they echo. They leave behind questions, impressions, and moments of stillness that linger well beyond the page. It is in these quiet afterspaces that her stories continue to unfold in the reader’s mind.The launch itself reflected the spirit of the book—intimate, thoughtful, and culturally rich. Attendees gathered not only to celebrate a new publication but also to connect through shared stories and heritage. Members of the Ethiopian community, alongside Toronto’s broader literary audience, filled the venue with a sense of anticipation and appreciation.Early responses suggest that Orange Coat signals the arrival of a compelling literary voice. Ashenafi’s work invites readers into a reflective space where emotion and imagination meet, leaving many eager to see what she will write next.With this debut, Sosina Ashenafi offers more than a collection of stories—she opens a conversation, one that lingers quietly, much like the final lines of her work.

Where Stories Linger: Sosina Ashenafi’s Orange Coat Debuts in Toronto’s East End

By GMD &amp; SARToronto, October 25, 2025 — Invited by the mother of one of the film’s central figures — a dear friend and a remarkably kind person — we never expected to witness such a profound act of generosity. Thank you, Grace, for inviting us. Thanks for the Liver is more than a documentary; it’s a testament to friendship, courage, and selfless love that illuminated the night at the Elizabeth Bader Theatre.The film, directed by University of Toronto alum Fraser Allan Best, premiered earlier this month at Toronto’s Hot Docs Cinema. It chronicles Best’s extraordinary journey from life-threatening illness to recovery, made possible through a life-saving liver donation from his friend and fellow U of T graduate, Robbie Grant.Born with glycogen storage disease type 1b, a rare genetic condition that affects fewer than 100 people in Canada, Best’s liver could no longer sustain him. By 2017, his health was deteriorating rapidly, and his dream career in journalism seemed to be slipping away. Then came an act of true friendship that would change — and save — his life.Grant, who studied political science and philosophy alongside Best at U of T, didn’t hesitate when he learned what his friend was facing. “Fraser had a significant risk of death if he didn’t get the organ,” Grant recalls. “For me, the risk was small. It was clearly the right thing to do.”In August 2020, surgeons removed part of Grant’s liver and transplanted it into Best. The operation was a success — and so began a new chapter for both men.Through more than 300 hours of candid footage, Thanks for the Liver captures the fear, humour, and deep humanity of Best’s journey. His partner, Kathryn Pierce, helped document some of the film’s most intimate moments, including his fragile but hopeful steps through hospital corridors after surgery.“I’m not only in excellent health,” Best reflects in the film, “but I’ve also achieved a quality of life that I never had before the transplant.”The screening, attended by family, friends, and supporters — including Grant’s mother, whose presence added a deeply personal note to the evening — ended in heartfelt applause and tears of admiration.Thanks for the Liver isn’t just a documentary. It’s a love letter to friendship — and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest gift one human being can give another is the chance to live.

Thanks for the Liver: A U of T Friendship That Saved a Life

In an effort to quell growing speculation, Sewasew Multimedia has issued a detailed statement clarifying the end of its contract with Ethiopian music star Tewodros Kassahun, emphasizing that the separation was mutual, respectful, and free of creative conflict.The announcement comes just as anticipation peaks for Teddy Afro’s new album Etorica, set for release after years in the making.<blockquote>“Our relationship remains very healthy,” Sewasew said, underscoring that the decision to part ways was reached by mutual consent.</blockquote><h3>Contract Timeline and Context</h3>According to the company, the agreement with Teddy Afro was signed three years and eight months ago, long before any official news of the album’s release. While the artist took about a year to complete the project, Sewasew noted it patiently accommodated the extended timeline.The contract was ultimately terminated shortly before the album’s release—not due to disagreements over the original terms, but following new amendments that could not be aligned.<h3>Addressing Public Speculation</h3>Sewasew directly pushed back against circulating claims that it had attempted to influence the content of Etorica or block certain songs.<blockquote>“This is completely false information,” the statement said, clarifying that the company has not listened to the album and was never involved in discussions about its musical direction.</blockquote><h3>Dispute Centered on Digital Rights</h3>The company identified the central issue as a disagreement over call ring back tone (CRBT) rights, which had been assigned to Sewasew under the original contract.In an effort to resolve the matter, Sewasew proposed:<ul><li>Hosting Teddy Afro’s previous works on its platform</li><li>Providing additional financial compensation</li></ul>The proposal was declined.Teddy Afro, in turn, suggested releasing part of the album on his personal YouTube channel and the remainder through Sewasew. The company did not agree to this arrangement, leading to the eventual termination of the contract.<h3>Financial Settlement and Closure</h3>Sewasew confirmed that Teddy Afro returned all payments received over the course of the agreement—spanning nearly four years—along with interest, describing the process as transparent and professional.The company stressed that the outcome reflects a contractual divergence rather than a personal or professional dispute.<h3>Moving Forward</h3>Despite the split, Sewasew expressed appreciation for the partnership and extended its support for the artist’s upcoming release.<blockquote>“We wish him the very best on his new album and thank him for the strong working relationship we have had.”</blockquote>As Etorica prepares to reach listeners, the clarification shifts attention back to the music—while offering a rare, detailed look at the business dynamics behind one of Ethiopia’s most anticipated releases.

Contract Ends, Not the Harmony: Teddy Afro and Sewasew Clarify Split Before Etorica 

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