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A multitude of protesters against Madagascar's president were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Military Vehicles

Activists proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who piloted armored cars, some waving national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a complete overhaul of the political system, with the youth activists not appeased by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, police used flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who are against us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army remains a intermediary and represents the country's final safeguard."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other army divisions to "refuse orders to shoot your friends", in a recording that was published on digital networks before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our comrades and our sisters," he declared, also urging troops at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from taking off".

"Secure the gates and expect our directions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who order you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our families if we die."

Leader's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to talk about improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who joined the Saturday rallies said she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned politicians who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'event' are all dangerous," said the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her security.

Gen Z Outlook

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical organization of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.