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Thousands of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's head of state were joined on the streets of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an elite army squadron, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at activists.

Advancing Together with Military Vehicles

Demonstrators marched with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The soldiers' participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Police Measures

That morning, security forces deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to scatter the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also appealed to military personnel to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who oppose us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a significant number of soldiers urged other military units to "reject directives to shoot your friends", in a recording that was posted on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our comrades and our compatriots," he declared, also urging soldiers at the airport to "stop all flights from taking off".

"Shut the access points and wait for our orders," he said. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Direct your arms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

President's Silence

No updates has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen conferring with the leaders of 10 of the country's universities to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An activist who joined Saturday's protests stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made short speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people circling this 'event' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a leaderless group of youth that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to select who to install in leadership," he commented.