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Numerous activists opposing Madagascar's leader were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an premier army unit, who previously that day declared they would not shoot at activists.

Marching Together with Heavy Vehicles

Protesters proceeded together with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated armored vehicles, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the President

The troops' participation increased tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on resign. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into appeals for a total overhaul of the governance structure, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, security forces used flashbangs and teargas to try to break up the activists. The newly named minister of the armed forces also urged soldiers to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and forms the country's final safeguard."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat officer supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to shoot your friends", in a recording that was shared on digital networks before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on soldiers at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from departing".

"Close the entrances and await our instructions," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Point your weapons at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been published on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was seen discussing with the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss bettering educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who attended that day's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised politicians who made short speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'event' are all dangerous," stated the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the protests, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another dishonest figure to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he said.