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Thousands of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were supported on the streets of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching With Military Vehicles

Protesters walked alongside soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who piloted armored cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Head of State

The military's intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding step aside. The student-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they quickly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Police Actions

Previously that day, police deployed stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The newly named minister of the armed forces also urged soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army remains a mediator and represents the country's last line of defence."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "refuse orders to attack your friends", in a footage that was shared on digital networks before they left their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to attack our comrades, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also calling on troops at the airport to "prevent all aircraft from taking off".

"Close the entrances and await our directions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been shared on the leader's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was seen meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss improving students' lives.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made brief addresses to the gathering 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 figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for concern for her security.

Youth Outlook

A participant of the youth movement, a decentralized collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest figure to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to select who to install in leadership," he commented.