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Thousands of activists in opposition to Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army division, who previously that day said they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Together with Military Transports

Activists marched with troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove heavy transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the President

The troops' participation increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, police used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to focus on communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a peacemaker and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other army divisions to "disobey commands to shoot your allies", in a footage that was shared on online platforms before they departed from their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our comrades and our compatriots," he said, also calling on soldiers at the aviation hub to "block all planes from leaving".

"Close the gates and expect our orders," he stated. "Disregard directives from your officers. Point your weapons at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was seen meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to talk about improving students' lives.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's demonstrations said she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned government officials who made short addresses to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'situation' are all concerning," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her well-being.

Young Generation Perspective

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized collective of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to put up there," he commented.