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A multitude of activists opposing the nation's head of state were supported on the roads of the main city on Saturday by soldiers from an premier army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Advancing With Military Transports

Demonstrators marched with troops from the Capsat division, who drove armored vehicles, some brandishing national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' intervention ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

That morning, police used stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged military personnel to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to emphasize communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a significant number of military personnel called on other army divisions to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a video that was published on digital networks before they exited their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, troops, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging troops at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Secure the gates and expect our directions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our relatives if we perish."

Leader's Lack of Response

No updates has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured conferring with the directors of 10 of the nation's colleges to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who attended Saturday's demonstrations stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced political figures who made quick statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all risky," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for fear for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another corrupted person to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.