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Numerous protesters against Madagascar's leader were supported on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Alongside Armored Transports

Demonstrators walked alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated military vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat troops brought the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The military's involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the governance structure, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Previously that day, police deployed stun grenades 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 brothers who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a significant number of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was published on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our brothers and our sisters," he said, also urging soldiers at the airfield to "stop all flights from taking off".

"Shut the entrances and expect our instructions," he said. "Ignore commands from your officers. Point your arms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our relatives if we die."

President's Lack of Response

No updates has been published on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the heads of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss enhancing educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who joined Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced politicians who made brief addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all concerning," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Gen Z Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the protests, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the right to elect who to place in power," he said.