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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to the nation's head of state were supported on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at protesters.

Advancing Together with Heavy Vehicles

Activists walked with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding resign. The young people-led rallies commenced on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a comprehensive overhaul of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Response

Previously that day, police deployed disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also urged troops to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of troops appealed to other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your comrades", in a footage that was published on online platforms before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, army, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our comrades and our compatriots," he said, also urging troops at the airport to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Close the entrances and await our directions," he said. "Do not obey commands from your officers. Direct your arms at those who instruct you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

President's Lack of Response

No updates has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who attended Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised political figures who made short statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all concerning," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her well-being.

Young Generation Perspective

A representative of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted figure to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to select who to install in leadership," he said.