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A multitude of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's leader were joined on the streets of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an elite army division, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Marching Alongside Military Cars

Demonstrators proceeded with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated military transports, some waving the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers installed the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The troops' participation increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on resign. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly broadened into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

That morning, law enforcement used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The recently appointed military affairs minister also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who oppose us to focus on discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other army divisions to "reject directives to fire upon your comrades", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, military, security forces and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all planes from leaving".

"Close the entrances and wait for our directions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Aim your weapons at those who instruct you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

Head of State's Silence

No updates has been published on the leader's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed conferring with the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to address enhancing the student experience.

Protester Worries

An protester who joined the Saturday rallies said she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned government officials who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless collective of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another dishonest individual to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to place in power," he said.