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Thousands of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an premier army division, who that morning declared they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing Alongside Armored Transports

Demonstrators walked together with troops from the Capsat division, who piloted armored cars, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Leader

The troops' involvement increased tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The student-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a comprehensive reform of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Security Forces Measures

Earlier in the day, police fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named military affairs minister also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and forms the country's final safeguard."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a recording that was published on social media before they exited their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, troops, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also calling on soldiers at the airfield to "block all flights from taking off".

"Close the access points and expect our orders," he stated. "Ignore commands from your commanders. Aim your arms at those who instruct you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No updates has been shared on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to talk about bettering the student experience.

Protester Worries

An protester who participated in that day's rallies stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," commented the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety.

Youth Perspective

A member of the young activists, a decentralized collective of young people that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another dishonest individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.