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Numerous protesters against Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the avenues of the capital city on Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who previously that day declared they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding With Military Vehicles

Activists walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated military cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The troops' intervention ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for stand down. The young people-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly broadened into appeals for a complete restructuring of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, security forces used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also urged troops to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who oppose us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a mediator and represents the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a large group of military personnel urged other troop formations to "reject directives to fire upon your comrades", in a footage that was published on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from taking off".

"Shut the gates and expect our orders," he said. "Ignore commands from your commanders. Point your weapons at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our families if we die."

President's Lack of Response

No information has been posted on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's universities to address enhancing the student experience.

Protester Concerns

An protester who joined the Saturday demonstrations said she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned politicians who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all risky," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for fear for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A participant of the young activists, a decentralized collective of youth that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another dishonest individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.