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Numerous protesters in opposition to the nation's head of state were accompanied on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who previously that day said they would not shoot at protesters.

Advancing Together with Heavy Transports

Protesters proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated military cars, some displaying the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers brought the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The young people-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly broadened into calls for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not placated by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

Previously that day, law enforcement fired stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the protesters. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also appealed to troops to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army remains a peacemaker and represents the country's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat leader joined by a large group of military personnel urged other army divisions to "disobey commands to shoot your comrades", in a video that was shared on digital networks before they left their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he declared, also appealing to troops at the airport to "block all flights from leaving".

"Secure the access points and await our instructions," he said. "Ignore commands from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been shared on the leader's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen conferring with the heads of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to talk about improving students' lives.

Protester Worries

An activist who participated in the Saturday rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made brief speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'development' are all concerning," stated the protester, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to put up there," he said.