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Numerous activists in opposition to the nation's head of state were accompanied on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an premier army division, who that morning declared they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Cars

Demonstrators proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat unit, who operated heavy vehicles, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops installed the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The military's involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The student-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly widened into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Security Forces Actions

That morning, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also appealed to troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to focus on discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a mediator and forms the state's last line of defence."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of troops called on other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our friends, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging soldiers at the airport to "stop all flights from departing".

"Shut the access points and wait for our orders," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to discuss improving educational conditions.

Protester Apprehensions

An protester who joined Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also criticised government officials who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for fear for her security.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he said.