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A multitude of demonstrators against the nation's president were supported on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an premier army division, who previously that day said they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Together with Military Transports

Demonstrators walked with military personnel from the Capsat division, who operated armored cars, some displaying national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the President

The soldiers' intervention ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for resign. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly widened into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the government system, with the youth protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

That morning, police deployed disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to scatter the protesters. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who are against us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of troops called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to fire upon your friends", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to troops at the aviation hub to "prevent all aircraft from leaving".

"Secure the entrances and wait for our directions," he declared. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we perish."

Leader's Silence

No updates has been posted on the leader's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's universities to address bettering the student experience.

Protester Concerns

An protester who attended Saturday's rallies said she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised politicians who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to put up there," he stated.