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Numerous activists opposing the nation's leader were joined on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an premier army squadron, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Armored Cars

Protesters proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who piloted military cars, some brandishing national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat troops installed the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The military's involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a total reform of the political system, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, police used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to scatter the demonstrators. The recently appointed military affairs minister also urged troops to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a mediator and represents the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a large group of troops urged other military units to "refuse orders to shoot your friends", in a footage that was published on social media before they exited their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and police, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our comrades and our compatriots," he declared, also appealing to soldiers at the airfield to "block all planes from taking off".

"Close the entrances and await our directions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who order you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

Head of State's Silence

No information has been shared on the president's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was seen meeting the directors of 10 of the country's universities to discuss enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An protester who attended Saturday's protests expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised government officials who made short speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for fear for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to select who to install in leadership," he stated.