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A multitude of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's president were accompanied on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Heavy Cars

Protesters proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated military transports, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The soldiers' participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for stand down. The student-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a complete reform of the government system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Police Actions

That morning, security forces fired disorientation devices and teargas to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also appealed to troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and forms the country's final safeguard."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a large group of troops appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your friends", in a recording that was shared on social media before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, security forces and police, and decline compensation to shoot our allies, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also urging soldiers at the airfield to "block all planes from taking off".

"Secure the entrances and await our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Aim your arms at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the leader's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was photographed conferring with the heads of 10 of the state's colleges to address improving students' lives.

Protester Apprehensions

An protester who joined the Saturday protests stated she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," said the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her well-being.

Gen Z Perspective

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to place in power," he commented.