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Thousands of demonstrators against the nation's head of state were supported on the streets of the capital city on Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Armored Cars

Demonstrators marched together with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who drove heavy vehicles, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the President

The soldiers' involvement escalated strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The young people-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Earlier in the day, police deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the demonstrators. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged military personnel to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a intermediary and forms the country's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a recording that was posted on online platforms before they left their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and officers, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he declared, also urging troops at the aviation hub to "block all flights from leaving".

"Close the access points and await our directions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we die."

Leader's Inactivity

No information has been posted on the head of state's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to discuss improving the student experience.

Protester Concerns

An activist who attended that day's protests said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made short statements to the gathering in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to elect who to place in power," he said.