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Thousands of activists against Madagascar's leader were joined on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an specialized army division, who that morning declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Alongside Military Vehicles

Demonstrators marched with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated heavy transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops installed the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Head of State

The troops' intervention escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a complete reform of the government system, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, police used flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named military affairs minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a mediator and constitutes the nation's last line of defence."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat commander supported by a significant number of military personnel called on other troop formations to "reject directives to fire upon your allies", in a video that was published on social media before they departed from their base.

"We should unite, military, security forces and officers, and reject payment to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our sisters," he declared, also appealing to soldiers at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from leaving".

"Shut the entrances and expect our directions," he stated. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Point your arms at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An activist who joined that day's rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised politicians who made quick statements to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all risky," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for fear for her safety.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a decentralized group of young people that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to put up there," he commented.