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Numerous activists against the nation's leader were joined on the roads of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day declared they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Military Transports

Protesters proceeded with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who operated armored transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the President

The soldiers' intervention increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for stand down. The youth-led rallies erupted on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into appeals for a total restructuring of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Response

That morning, police deployed flashbangs and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The freshly assigned defense minister also called on troops to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to emphasize communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and represents the state's final safeguard."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of soldiers called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was shared on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Close the entrances and wait for our instructions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Point your arms at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our families if we die."

President's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the state's universities to discuss improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who joined the Saturday demonstrations stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned government officials who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," stated the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.