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Thousands of activists opposing the nation's leader were accompanied on the streets of the capital on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army unit, who previously that day said they would not open fire on activists.

Marching With Heavy Cars

Protesters walked with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy vehicles, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the President

The military's participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a total reform of the political system, with the gen Z activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named military affairs minister also appealed to military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a mediator and represents the nation's last line of defence."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a significant number of troops appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he declared, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "block all planes from taking off".

"Close the access points and await our instructions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your commanders. Point your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we perish."

President's Silence

Nothing has been shared on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to address bettering educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An activist who joined the Saturday protests expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised political figures who made brief speeches to the crowds in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he stated.