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Numerous protesters against Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an premier army division, who that morning stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Military Vehicles

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

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Head of State

The military's participation ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the government system, with the youth activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, law enforcement used flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also urged troops to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army remains a mediator and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a significant number of troops called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a video that was published on online platforms before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, troops, paramilitary and police, and reject payment to attack our friends, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also appealing to military personnel at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Close the access points and expect our orders," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Point your weapons at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our loved ones if we perish."

Leader's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the leader's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to talk about improving educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An activist who attended that day's demonstrations said she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also condemned politicians who made brief statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'event' are all risky," stated the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A participant of the youth movement, a decentralized organization of students that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to put up there," he said.