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Numerous protesters against Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding With Armored Transports

Demonstrators marched alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who drove military transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Leader

The troops' intervention increased tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The young people-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Security Forces Response

Previously that day, law enforcement used flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also called on troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to emphasize communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of soldiers appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to shoot your friends", in a video that was shared on digital networks before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, security forces and officers, and decline compensation to attack our comrades, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Shut the entrances and wait for our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey directives from your officers. Direct your firearms at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No information has been published on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to discuss bettering educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An activist who attended Saturday's demonstrations said she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'event' are all concerning," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her security.

Youth Outlook

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of youth that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he stated.