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Thousands of demonstrators opposing the nation's president were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army division, who previously that day stated they would not fire on protesters.

Advancing Together with Armored Vehicles

Demonstrators marched alongside troops from the Capsat division, who operated armored transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers propelled the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the President

The soldiers' involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for step aside. The student-led rallies broke out on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a total reform of the government system, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Previously that day, police fired flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also urged soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who are against us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and represents the state's last line of defence."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of military personnel called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was shared on online platforms before they departed from their barracks.

"We should unite, army, paramilitary and police, and decline compensation to attack our comrades, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he stated, also appealing to soldiers at the airport to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Shut the gates and await our directions," he declared. "Do not obey directives from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we are killed."

Head of State's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the leader's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was seen meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to address improving students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An activist who attended Saturday's rallies stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised political figures who made quick statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all concerning," commented the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Youth Viewpoint

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he said.