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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to the nation's leader were accompanied on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army squadron, who that morning declared they would not fire on protesters.

Advancing Together with Heavy Vehicles

Protesters walked alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored vehicles, some brandishing the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been denied entry to. Capsat troops installed the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The military's involvement increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on resign. The youth-led rallies commenced on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly widened into demands for a total overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Earlier in the day, police fired stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to focus on communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a peacemaker and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander supported by a significant number of military personnel called on other army divisions to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they left their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and police, and decline compensation to shoot our friends, our comrades and our sisters," he declared, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the access points and expect our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the heads of 10 of the country's universities to talk about bettering students' lives.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who joined that day's demonstrations stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned government officials who made brief addresses to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'development' are all risky," said the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her security.

Gen Z Perspective

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of students that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another dishonest figure to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.