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Numerous demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were joined on the avenues of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an premier army division, who that morning declared they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding Alongside Armored Transports

Demonstrators marched alongside military personnel from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some brandishing the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The military's participation ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they quickly widened into demands for a total overhaul of the government system, with the younger generation activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

That morning, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a peacemaker and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a large group of military personnel called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was published on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, military, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he said, also calling on troops at the airport to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the gates and expect our directions," he declared. "Ignore directives from your superiors. Direct your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

No information has been posted on the leader's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about enhancing students' lives.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An activist who participated in the Saturday demonstrations stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced politicians who made short statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'development' are all risky," commented the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Gen Z Perspective

A representative of the young activists, a non-hierarchical collective of young people that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another dishonest individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the right to elect who to place in power," he commented.