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Numerous activists against Madagascar's leader were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army unit, who that morning said they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Alongside Armored Vehicles

Demonstrators marched alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some waving national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the President

The soldiers' intervention ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The student-led rallies commenced on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement used disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed defense minister also urged troops to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a peacemaker and represents the country's last line of defence."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of military personnel called on other military units to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they exited their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he declared, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from taking off".

"Secure the access points and wait for our orders," he stated. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the heads of 10 of the state's universities to talk about enhancing students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An activist who joined Saturday's protests stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made short addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to select who to place in power," he stated.