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Numerous activists against Madagascar's president were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who previously that day declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Transports

Protesters walked with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who piloted military transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Raising Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' intervention increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The student-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Measures

Previously that day, law enforcement fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The recently appointed military affairs minister also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who are against us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army remains a peacemaker and constitutes the state's final safeguard."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a large group of troops urged other troop formations to "refuse orders to shoot your allies", in a footage that was published on social media before they left their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, army, security forces and officers, and reject payment to attack our comrades, our comrades and our compatriots," he stated, also appealing to troops at the airport to "prevent all flights from taking off".

"Secure the entrances and await our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your officers. Point your weapons at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

Head of State's Inactivity

No information has been posted on the head of state's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to address improving the student experience.

Protester Apprehensions

An protester who attended that day's demonstrations expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical organization of students that has helped to coordinate the protests, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to put up there," he commented.