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Numerous activists opposing the nation's president were joined on the avenues of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army squadron, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Alongside Heavy Transports

Activists marched with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated heavy cars, some displaying national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' intervention increased strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led rallies broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly broadened into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

That morning, law enforcement used disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The recently appointed military affairs minister also called on military personnel to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who oppose us to emphasize discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of military personnel called on other army divisions to "reject directives to shoot your friends", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they left their barracks.

"Let us join forces, army, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Close the gates and await our instructions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our families if we die."

President's Lack of Response

No updates has been posted on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An protester who joined the Saturday rallies said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made brief speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," said the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.

Gen Z Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another corrupted individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to elect who to put up there," he commented.