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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army squadron, who previously that day declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Armored Vehicles

Activists marched with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who piloted armored cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Head of State

The troops' participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the political system, with the gen Z demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Police Response

Earlier in the day, law enforcement used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to scatter the activists. The newly named military affairs minister also urged military personnel to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who disagree with us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of soldiers appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they departed from their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our sisters," he said, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the entrances and await our directions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your commanders. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about bettering students' lives.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An activist who joined Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced government officials who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all risky," commented the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for fear for her security.

Youth Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to select who to put up there," he commented.