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Numerous demonstrators opposing Madagascar's president were joined on the streets of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army division, who previously that day said they would not open fire on activists.

Marching Alongside Armored Vehicles

Protesters walked with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who drove military transports, some displaying national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The troops' participation ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into demands for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Measures

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who oppose us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and represents the country's last line of defence."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of troops called on other military units to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a footage that was posted on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our comrades, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on soldiers at the airport to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Secure the entrances and await our directions," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Aim your weapons at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our families if we are killed."

Head of State's Silence

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

Demonstrator Concerns

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday rallies said she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised politicians who made short statements to the masses in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'development' are all concerning," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her safety.

Gen Z Perspective

A representative of the youth movement, a decentralized organization of young people that has assisted in organizing the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he commented.