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A multitude of activists against Madagascar's leader were joined on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who previously that day stated they would not fire on demonstrators.

Advancing Alongside Armored Cars

Demonstrators marched together with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove armored cars, some brandishing the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Leader

The military's participation ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the political system, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

That morning, law enforcement used stun grenades and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who disagree with us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other army divisions to "reject directives to fire upon your friends", in a video that was published on social media before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he declared, also calling on soldiers at the airfield to "block all planes from departing".

"Close the entrances and expect our orders," he said. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not look after our families if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

No information has been published on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the leaders of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to address enhancing the student experience.

Protester Worries

An protester who participated in the Saturday protests said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all concerning," said the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her well-being.

Youth Perspective

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to put up there," he said.