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Numerous demonstrators in opposition to the nation's head of state were joined on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army unit, who previously that day said they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Together with Military Cars

Demonstrators proceeded together with troops from the Capsat division, who drove heavy transports, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat troops brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the President

The soldiers' participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The student-led rallies broke out on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into calls for a total reform of the governance structure, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, police fired flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named military affairs minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to focus on discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a large group of military personnel appealed to other army divisions to "refuse orders to shoot your friends", in a video that was posted on social media before they departed from their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our colleagues and our compatriots," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "stop all aircraft from taking off".

"Shut the entrances and expect our directions," he stated. "Do not obey commands from your superiors. Point your firearms at those who instruct you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we are killed."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No updates has been posted on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to discuss bettering the student experience.

Activist Concerns

An activist who participated in Saturday's protests expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced politicians who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A participant of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of students that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to place in power," he said.