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A multitude of demonstrators opposing the nation's leader were supported on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not fire on activists.

Marching Alongside Heavy Vehicles

Protesters proceeded together with troops from the Capsat division, who drove heavy transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Head of State

The troops' involvement escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly widened into demands for a total restructuring of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Security Forces Response

That morning, law enforcement fired stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named defense minister also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who disagree with us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a peacemaker and represents the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of troops appealed to other army divisions to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a footage that was published on online platforms before they left their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to attack our friends, our colleagues and our compatriots," he stated, also calling on troops at the aviation hub to "block all flights from taking off".

"Secure the access points and expect our instructions," he said. "Ignore commands from your officers. Point your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been published on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen meeting the leaders of 10 of the country's universities to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An protester who attended the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced government officials who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'event' are all concerning," said the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the young activists, a decentralized collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.