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Numerous demonstrators against Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Alongside Heavy Cars

Protesters walked together with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who operated armored transports, some waving national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into appeals for a total restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Previously that day, police used flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The freshly assigned defense minister also appealed to troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who oppose us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and represents the state's last line of defence."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a significant number of soldiers urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your friends", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, gendarmes and police, and reject payment to attack our comrades, our brothers and our sisters," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the entrances and await our directions," he declared. "Disregard orders from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

President's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the leader's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's universities to address improving educational conditions.

Protester Apprehensions

An protester who participated in that day's demonstrations said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all concerning," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Gen Z Perspective

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to put up there," he commented.