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Thousands of protesters against Madagascar's president were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army squadron, who earlier in the day stated they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Marching With Heavy Transports

Activists proceeded alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated armored vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' participation escalated strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into demands for a complete reform of the government system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Security Forces Response

Previously that day, law enforcement used stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also urged troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a intermediary and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of soldiers urged other military units to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was posted on social media before they departed from their base.

"We should unite, army, security forces and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Close the gates and wait for our directions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Direct your weapons at those who command you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we are killed."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the leader's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to address enhancing educational conditions.

Protester Concerns

An activist who joined the Saturday protests said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also condemned political figures who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," stated the protester, who declined to give her name for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to put up there," he commented.