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Numerous demonstrators opposing Madagascar's leader were joined on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by troops from an elite army unit, who that morning declared they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Marching Alongside Heavy Cars

Demonstrators walked with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy vehicles, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The troops' intervention increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led rallies broke out on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the demonstrators. The newly named minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and represents the state's last line of defence."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a significant number of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to attack your comrades", in a recording that was shared on digital networks before they departed from their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, army, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to fire upon our comrades, our brothers and our sisters," he declared, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Shut the access points and await our orders," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Point your arms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

No updates has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the country's universities to address bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An activist who participated in the Saturday rallies stated she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made quick statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all dangerous," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless collective of young people that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, 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 assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to select who to put up there," he stated.