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A multitude of demonstrators against the nation's leader were joined on the roads of the capital on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Together with Military Transports

Demonstrators walked together with troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove heavy vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Tension on the President

The troops' participation increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a total reform of the governance structure, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

That morning, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed military affairs minister also called on troops to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to focus on communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and represents the nation's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of troops urged other army divisions to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"We should unite, army, gendarmes and law enforcement, and reject payment to attack our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on soldiers at the aviation hub to "prevent all flights from departing".

"Close the access points and wait for our orders," he said. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Point your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our families if we perish."

President's Inactivity

No information has been posted on the leader's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to address improving students' lives.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made quick addresses to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of students that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he said.