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Thousands of protesters against Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on Saturday by troops from an specialized army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at protesters.

Marching With Armored Cars

Demonstrators walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat unit, who operated military vehicles, some brandishing the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Leader

The soldiers' participation escalated tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the younger generation protesters not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Police Actions

That morning, law enforcement used disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who are against us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a significant number of troops called on other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a footage that was published on social media before they left their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from leaving".

"Secure the gates and wait for our orders," he said. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we are killed."

President's Silence

No information has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was seen meeting the heads of 10 of the state's universities to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday protests expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made short statements to the masses in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A member of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical organization of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to place in power," he stated.