Greenland’s independence movement sees opportunity in Trump’s interest

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2025

floating ice, left over from broken-up icebergs shed from the Greenland ice sheet, nearly cover the seafront in Ilulissat, Greenland. © Brennan Linsley/AP2011

Spread the love

Greenland’s push for full independence has gained renewed attention following US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks on acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

While the independence movement in Greenland sees this as a chance to advance their cause, recent polling reveals that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US.

Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s most prominent online influencer with 1.6 million followers, has spoken out against Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. As a member of the Inuit community, which has endured over a thousand years of harsh conditions, Olsen remains defiant.

“I have chosen not to be afraid, just as I have chosen not to be scared,” she said. “We just have to figure out how to best dance with Trump. How can we make the best deal out of this? How can we turn it into something profitable or useful for our future here in Greenland? It’s a very colonial mindset to think that if Denmark no longer has Greenland, the US will just take it. It’s colonisers talking another coloniser. We are human beings.”

Speaking from the Greenland capital of Nuuk, Euronews correspondent Shona Murray highlighted the nuanced aspirations of Greenlanders. “While the vast majority don’t see their future as being part of the US, it doesn’t mean they want to remain closely tied to Denmark. Many here desire stronger autonomy and greater respect for the self-determination of the indigenous Inuit people, though opinions vary on the extent of this independence.”

A local resident echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think what Greenland is really striving for is self-governance and independence. Denmark’s financial and economic support is important, but I can see why the US is interested. Greenland’s geopolitical position and natural resources are highly valuable, especially for military purposes.”

Those who yearn for independence believe that the most viable path forward is to make strategic deals with the US while maintaining existing ties with Europe.

Pele Broberg, a Greenlandic MP from the Naleraq party, acknowledged Trump’s role in advancing the independence cause.

“You have to admit that Trump has done a lot of good for the independence movement,” Broberg said. “When he’s not in office, people don’t care about Greenland. His interest has given us the opportunity to explain what’s happening here. We’re not isolationists — we want to work with the rest of the world, not just Denmark.”

Polling data also shows the dilemma of Greenlanders’ aspirations; while 84% want independence from Denmark, while 45% would only desire it if it has no negative impact on their living standards.

For now, the path to sovereignty remains a delicate balancing act shaped by global geopolitics and the enduring resilience of Greenland’s people.

Up Next

Ogun man molested by monarch tells his story; govt vows probe

Don't Miss

Popular holiday island on red alert amid growing series of earthquakes

Click to comment

Elderly woman attempts suicide by jumping off bridge after d3ath of her son

Published

10 minutes ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Spread the love

An elderly woman attempted to take her own life by jumping from the Sankulay Kunda Bridge in the Gambia on Thursday morning, April 17, 2025.

After she entered the water, a local diver identified as Musa Foon, spotted her, quickly jumped in and rescued her.

Speaking with the media, Musa explained that the woman recently lost her son.

“She was talking about her son, who recently passed away. She is currently in police custody in Janjangbureh,” Musa added.

Nigeria, South Africa strengthen energy ties to curb continental energy deficit

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senator Lokpobiri and Minister Gwede Mantashe.

Spread the love

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has emphasized that Africa must begin to look inward for sustainable solutions to its energy challenges.

The minister added that boosting local production capacities while retaining generated resources within the continent is key to long-term energy security.

He made this remarks on Wednesday while receiving a high-level delegation from South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, led by Hon. Minister Gwede Mantashe, during a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, enhancing trade, and exploring joint initiatives to tackle Africa’s energy needs.

In his speech, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the remarkable progress Nigeria has made in recent years, particularly under the #RenewedHope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Travel blogs

“Nigeria has significantly enhanced its local capacity in the oil and gas sector. We are witnessing a new era where indigenous companies are taking ownership by acquiring assets from International Oil Companies that are divesting,” he noted.

The South African delegation’s visit was driven by a strong interest in learning from Nigeria’s oil and gas successes and exploring opportunities for partnership. Hon. Minister Gwede Mantashe praised Nigeria’s advancements and expressed optimism about future collaboration.

“Nigeria’s progress in its energy sector is impressive. We are here to share experiences, learn from each other, and build frameworks that support mutual growth. The goal is to develop strategies that are not only beneficial to our two nations but the African continent at large,” Minister Mantashe stated.

Both parties engaged in extensive discussions centered on developing indigenous capacity, enhancing cross-border trade in energy products, and fostering a robust framework for knowledge exchange.

The ministers agreed that collaboration is essential to unlock Africa’s vast energy potential and to address persistent energy poverty across the continent.

“As we collaborate with South Africa, we are also learning from their experiences. Our shared insights will contribute to increased oil production and more resilient energy systems across Africa,” Senator Lokpobiri added.

“Deepening our ties is vital to creating sustainable, African-led solutions to our energy challenges.”

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to establish working groups focused on joint investments, technology sharing, and regional energy integration. This renewed partnership signals a forward-looking approach to building a stronger, self-reliant African energy landscape.

BREAKING: 8 Killed in Boko Haram IED Attack Along Maiduguri-Damboa Road

Published

5 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Spread the love

At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a deadly explosion rocked the Maiduguri-Damboa Road on Saturday. The blast, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), is believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

The tragic incident occurred on a section of the highway that was recently reopened after years of closure due to insurgent activity. The route, which cuts through the notorious Sambisa Forest, has long been considered one of the most dangerous in Borno State.

Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed the attack, including Maiduguri resident Lawan Maigana, who revealed that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties.

According to reports from Channels TV, the explosion struck a convoy of vehicles under military escort, transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri.

Speaking on the incident, Maigana said:
“The road to my hometown in Damboa has always been perilous. Over the years, we’ve lost brave soldiers and innocent residents to Boko Haram. Today’s attack claimed eight lives and highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures. May Allah protect us all and grant peace to the souls of the departed.”