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Numerous protesters in opposition to the nation's president were supported on the streets of the capital on Saturday by troops from an elite army squadron, who previously that day declared they would not shoot at protesters.

Marching Together with Military Cars

Activists proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted military transports, some waving national flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The military's participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The young people-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into appeals for a complete overhaul of the government system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Police Response

That morning, security forces fired flashbangs and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a mediator and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel urged other army divisions to "reject directives to fire upon your friends", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "prevent all flights from taking off".

"Close the gates and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not support our loved ones if we are killed."

Head of State's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the country's universities to discuss improving the student experience.

Protester Apprehensions

An demonstrator who joined Saturday's rallies stated she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned politicians who made brief speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her safety.

Youth Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to select who to place in power," he stated.