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A multitude of activists in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were supported on the avenues of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who previously that day declared they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Together with Military Cars

Protesters proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat division, who drove armored cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the President

The soldiers' intervention increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on resign. The student-led rallies commenced on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a total restructuring of the government system, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

Earlier in the day, police fired flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to focus on communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the state's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your comrades", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to attack our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Close the entrances and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our loved ones if we are killed."

Head of State's Silence

No information has been posted on the head of state's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who participated in that day's demonstrations expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for fear for her safety.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of students that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to select who to put up there," he commented.