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Thousands of activists in opposition to the nation's president were accompanied on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an premier army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not fire on activists.

Advancing With Armored Vehicles

Demonstrators proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat division, who operated heavy vehicles, some brandishing the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat troops propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The military's involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly widened into calls for a total restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

That morning, law enforcement fired flashbangs and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also appealed to troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and forms the country's ultimate protection."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a significant number of soldiers called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your friends", in a recording that was posted on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and officers, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our comrades and our compatriots," he said, also calling on soldiers at the aviation hub to "prevent all aircraft from leaving".

"Close the gates and await our orders," he said. "Ignore commands from your officers. Point your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we die."

President's Lack of Response

No information has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's colleges to address bettering students' lives.

Protester Apprehensions

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's protests expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced government officials who made short addresses to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all concerning," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another corrupted person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to put up there," he stated.