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Numerous protesters in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the roads of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who previously that day said they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Cars

Demonstrators marched together with military personnel from the Capsat division, who piloted heavy cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The military's involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding resign. The youth-led protests broke out on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Response

Earlier in the day, security forces deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also appealed to military personnel to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the state's last line of defence."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of troops urged other military units to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a video that was posted on social media before they left their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and police, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he stated, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Secure the entrances and await our directions," he stated. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Direct your firearms at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was seen discussing with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to discuss enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An activist who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made quick statements to the crowds 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 figures gravitating around this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her security.

Youth Viewpoint

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to select who to place in power," he stated.