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Numerous activists opposing Madagascar's head of state were joined on the avenues of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing Together with Armored Cars

Demonstrators marched together with troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Leader

The troops' intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led rallies commenced on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly expanded into demands for a comprehensive reform of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Earlier in the day, police deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the protesters. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also urged military personnel to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who oppose us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a large group of soldiers called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a video that was published on social media before they departed from their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, military, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also calling on troops at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from taking off".

"Close the access points and await our instructions," he declared. "Disregard orders from your commanders. Aim your weapons at those who instruct you to attack your military brothers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's universities to talk about enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's protests stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made quick addresses to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," stated the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Youth Outlook

A member of the young activists, a leaderless collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another corrupted person to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to select who to place in power," he commented.