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A multitude of activists opposing Madagascar's president were joined on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Alongside Military Cars

Protesters marched together with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who drove military vehicles, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The military's involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for step aside. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into calls for a complete overhaul of the government system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Police Response

Earlier in the day, police deployed flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed defense minister also called on soldiers to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a intermediary and forms the state's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a significant number of military personnel urged other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they left their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and officers, and refuse to be paid to shoot our comrades, our comrades and our compatriots," he stated, also urging troops at the airport to "stop all aircraft from leaving".

"Shut the entrances and wait for our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who command you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not support our loved ones if we die."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's universities to discuss improving educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An activist who joined Saturday's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made short speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for concern for her safety.

Youth Outlook

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of students that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another dishonest figure to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he said.