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A multitude of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's president were joined on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Military Cars

Activists walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy cars, some waving national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly widened into demands for a comprehensive restructuring of the political system, with the younger generation demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

That morning, law enforcement used disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who oppose us to focus on communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a mediator and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a significant number of troops urged other troop formations to "reject directives to fire upon your friends", in a footage that was posted on social media before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and police, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airport to "block all planes from taking off".

"Close the access points and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your officers. Point your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

President's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was photographed discussing with the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address bettering educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An activist who joined the Saturday demonstrations expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made brief statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all risky," stated the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Young Generation Perspective

A representative of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to put up there," he said.