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A multitude of protesters opposing the nation's head of state were joined on the roads of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an elite army division, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding With Heavy Transports

Activists proceeded with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a comprehensive reform of the governance structure, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Police Response

That morning, police deployed disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also called on military personnel to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a peacemaker and represents the state's final safeguard."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of military personnel appealed to other army divisions to "reject directives to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was published on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and police, and reject payment to fire upon our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all flights from departing".

"Secure the entrances and expect our orders," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Direct your arms at those who command you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we perish."

President's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who joined that day's demonstrations stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned government officials who made short addresses to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all risky," stated the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Youth Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to elect who to install in leadership," he said.