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A multitude of activists in opposition to the nation's president were joined on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who that morning stated they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Together with Military Cars

Activists marched together with troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy vehicles, some waving national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The soldiers' involvement escalated tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding stand down. The young people-led protests commenced on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a total reform of the political system, with the youth protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, security forces used stun grenades and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also called on troops to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who disagree with us to emphasize discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of troops appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they departed from their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, security forces and police, and reject payment to shoot our comrades, our comrades and our compatriots," he stated, also calling on soldiers at the airport to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Secure the gates and wait for our directions," he said. "Do not obey directives from your officers. Point your firearms at those who command you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

President's Silence

No updates has been published on the president's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the heads of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Protester Apprehensions

An demonstrator who attended Saturday's rallies expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made brief speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all risky," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to choose who to install in leadership," he commented.