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A multitude of demonstrators against Madagascar's leader were supported on the avenues of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an elite army squadron, who that morning stated they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Alongside Military Vehicles

Demonstrators proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat division, who operated armored cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Head of State

The troops' participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for step aside. The student-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the governance structure, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, law enforcement used stun grenades and teargas to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed military affairs minister also appealed to soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who disagree with us to prioritise communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and forms the nation's final safeguard."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers urged other army divisions to "disobey commands to attack your allies", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, security forces and officers, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our colleagues and our compatriots," he stated, also urging troops at the airport to "prevent all aircraft from taking off".

"Close the gates and await our directions," he said. "Do not obey commands from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we die."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been shared on the president's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss bettering students' lives.

Protester Apprehensions

An activist who attended that day's demonstrations expressed she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all dangerous," stated the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.

Youth Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless collective of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he said.