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A multitude of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who previously that day declared they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Transports

Activists proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored cars, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been denied entry to. Capsat troops brought the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Leader

The military's intervention ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the political system, with the gen Z demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

Earlier in the day, security forces used stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a intermediary and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a large group of soldiers called on other army divisions to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also calling on troops at the airport to "prevent all planes from leaving".

"Close the access points and wait for our directions," he stated. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Direct your weapons at those who order you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we die."

President's Lack of Response

Nothing has been posted on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An activist who joined that day's protests said she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made short statements to the gathering in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'event' are all concerning," commented the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her safety.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical group of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to place in power," he said.