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Thousands of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's president were accompanied on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army division, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at activists.

Marching Alongside Armored Transports

Activists marched alongside soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored vehicles, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the President

The military's involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on resign. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly widened into appeals for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Measures

Earlier in the day, security forces deployed flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed defense minister also called on troops to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and represents the country's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a significant number of troops called on other troop formations to "disobey commands to fire upon your allies", in a video that was published on digital networks before they left their barracks.

"Let us join forces, army, gendarmes and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "prevent all flights from leaving".

"Close the entrances and wait for our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we are killed."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An protester who joined Saturday's rallies said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made quick statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all risky," commented the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for concern for her security.

Youth Perspective

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to put up there," he stated.