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A multitude of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's leader were joined on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an premier army unit, who that morning declared they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding Together with Armored Vehicles

Activists walked alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who drove armored cars, some brandishing national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Leader

The troops' intervention escalated strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding resign. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a total overhaul of the government system, with the younger generation demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also appealed to military personnel to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to focus on communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of military personnel urged other army divisions to "reject directives to shoot your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to troops at the airfield to "prevent all planes from taking off".

"Secure the gates and expect our orders," he declared. "Disregard commands from your officers. Point your weapons at those who command you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss improving educational conditions.

Activist Apprehensions

An demonstrator who attended Saturday's protests expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to install in leadership," he said.