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Thousands of demonstrators against Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an premier army unit, who previously that day declared they would not fire on activists.

Advancing Together with Armored Cars

Demonstrators walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat division, who operated military vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Leader

The military's participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they rapidly widened into calls for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the youth demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, law enforcement used disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the demonstrators. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also urged troops to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and represents the country's ultimate protection."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a significant number of soldiers urged other military units to "disobey commands to shoot your allies", in a footage that was published on social media before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from taking off".

"Secure the gates and expect our directions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

President's Silence

Nothing has been shared on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's universities to discuss bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced politicians who made quick speeches to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the activist, who requested anonymity for fear for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of the young activists, a leaderless group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.