Communities Push Back as the Project Reopens
The proposed Base Toliara Mineral Sands Project in southwestern Madagascar, targeting large-scale export of mineral-sands, is stirring renewed opposition from local communities who argue the relaunch proceeds without adequate dialogue. Residents of the Tuléar (Toliara) region say they face threats of displacement, loss of coastal fisheries and mangrove livelihoods, and inadequate compensation—even as the project moves toward a new phase with international investment. Many assemblies allege their free, prior and informed consent has been sidestepped, fueling rising grievances.
Intimidation of Media, Defenders and Civic Voices
In parallel with the protests, human-rights and media groups report a pattern of harassment, arrests and threats directed at journalists, union organisers and community advocates covering the project. One environmental-defender reported that he was arrested after submitting a protest notification, released only after signing a pledge not to mobilise. Journalists covering the unfolding conflict say they’ve received warnings for exposing company activities and delays in permitting. The suppression of civic space adds a significant reputational risk for the operator and underscores that the conflict is not only over land and resources—but also over who gets to speak about them.
Governance, Environment and the Social Licence Question
For Madagascar, the Base Toliara case exemplifies a broader governance dilemma: how to balance the development of export-oriented mineral projects on fragile coastal ecosystems with robust community rights frameworks. If investor timelines outpace social acceptance and environmental safeguards, the project may trigger long-term resistance and regulatory setbacks. Alternatively, if the licencing regime and benefit-sharing mechanisms are re-aligned with local expectations, the relaunch could establish a pathway for more inclusive infrastructure development in Madagascar’s deeply-resourced but governance- challenged regions.