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Numerous demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's president were supported on the avenues of the main city on Saturday by troops from an specialized army division, who that morning said they would not fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Armored Vehicles

Demonstrators marched together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who drove heavy transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel installed the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The military's involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly widened into calls for a total restructuring of the governance structure, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Police Response

That morning, security forces fired flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who oppose us to focus on communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and forms the nation's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of soldiers called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was shared on online platforms before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, security forces and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging soldiers at the aviation hub to "block all planes from taking off".

"Shut the gates and await our directions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Point your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

No information has been published on the leader's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to address improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An protester who participated in the Saturday protests expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised political figures who made brief statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Youth Outlook

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of young people that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he commented.