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Numerous activists opposing Madagascar's head of state were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday by troops from an premier army division, who earlier in the day said they would not fire on protesters.

Advancing With Armored Transports

Protesters marched with troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored cars, some waving the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Strain on the President

The soldiers' participation escalated strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The youth-led protests broke out on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they swiftly widened into appeals for a total restructuring of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, police used disorientation devices and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and forms the country's ultimate protection."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other troop formations to "disobey commands to attack your friends", in a video that was shared on digital networks before they exited their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Close the entrances and expect our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Aim your weapons at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to talk about bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised politicians who made brief statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," commented the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A participant of the young activists, a leaderless collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.