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A multitude of activists opposing the nation's head of state were supported on the streets of the capital on Saturday afternoon by troops from an elite army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding Together with Military Transports

Activists proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted military vehicles, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers brought the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the President

The military's involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The young people-led rallies commenced on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a complete reform of the government system, with the gen Z demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

That morning, law enforcement deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to scatter the protesters. The freshly assigned defense minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to prioritise discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a intermediary and represents the state's ultimate protection."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a large group of troops appealed to other army divisions to "disobey commands to attack your comrades", in a video that was posted on social media before they departed from their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from departing".

"Shut the entrances and await our instructions," he declared. "Ignore commands from your superiors. Aim your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

President's Inactivity

No information has been shared on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's universities to talk about improving educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who attended the Saturday rallies said she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made quick statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all risky," commented the activist, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her safety.

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the young activists, a leaderless organization of students that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another dishonest person to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to put up there," he stated.