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A multitude of activists against Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an specialized army division, who previously that day stated they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Transports

Demonstrators proceeded together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated armored cars, some brandishing the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers brought the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The soldiers' involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led rallies erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

That morning, law enforcement fired stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who oppose us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a large group of military personnel called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your comrades", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they departed from their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "block all planes from departing".

"Close the access points and wait for our directions," he declared. "Ignore directives from your superiors. Point your weapons at those who instruct you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not look after our families if we perish."

President's Lack of Response

No updates has been shared on the leader's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to talk about enhancing students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who joined Saturday's rallies stated she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned politicians who made brief addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all risky," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for concern for her well-being.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical group of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.