On Wednesday, banners appealing to the President of the Republic and the President of the National Assembly were displayed in Benetse, a fokontany in the rural commune of Ankilimalinike, Toliara II. A march was organized along a section of the RN9, concluding in a public square in the commune.
Local representatives spoke out, demanding that the State clarify its position on the Ranobe ilmenite mining project. They also criticized the two deputies of the Toliara II constituency for their silence on the matter. Residents expressed frustration over the imprisonment of locals for minor offenses while the mining company, Vara Mada, continues its operations without oversight. Protesters called for the project to be shut down, citing concerns over its divisive nature and potential environmental hazards.
Colonel Fanampera, a long-time opponent of the project, highlighted the potential dangers of radioactivity, warning of disastrous consequences for the local population. Former Senator Georges, a parliamentarian during the HVM era, also joined the protest, warning that the 39-year project could be extended indefinitely, similar to the mining operations in Tolagnaro, and could impact areas as far as Morombe.
This demonstration follows the launch of the “Mianatra” school canteen program by Vara Mada on September 14, which aims to provide nearly 10,000 meals daily to students in 35 primary schools across five communes affected by the mining activities.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-26 06:24:21 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/mines-les-manifestations-anti-vara-mada.html