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Numerous protesters in opposition to the nation's head of state were accompanied on the avenues of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not fire on demonstrators.

Advancing Together with Armored Transports

Activists proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove military cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Head of State

The military's participation increased tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The youth-led rallies commenced on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they quickly widened into appeals for a comprehensive restructuring of the political system, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Police Measures

Previously that day, law enforcement used disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed military affairs minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and represents the state's final safeguard."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of soldiers urged other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they exited their base.

"We should unite, army, gendarmes and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he stated, also calling on troops at the airport to "prevent all flights from departing".

"Close the entrances and expect our directions," he said. "Ignore directives from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to discuss improving educational conditions.

Protester Concerns

An protester who participated in that day's protests said she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made brief statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her security.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of youth that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another dishonest individual to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to select who to install in leadership," he commented.