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Numerous demonstrators against Madagascar's leader were joined on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army squadron, who that morning stated they would not fire on activists.

Marching Together with Military Cars

Protesters proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove military transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Tension on the Leader

The military's involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on stand down. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a total reform of the political system, with the younger generation protesters not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, security forces used disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also called on troops to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who are against us to prioritise dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a significant number of military personnel called on other military units to "refuse orders to attack your friends", in a recording that was shared on online platforms before they exited their base.

"We must combine efforts, army, paramilitary and police, and reject payment to fire upon our friends, our colleagues and our sisters," he declared, also calling on troops at the airfield to "block all planes from taking off".

"Secure the access points and expect our instructions," he said. "Ignore directives from your officers. Direct your arms at those who order you to attack your military brothers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No updates has been shared on the head of state's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who joined that day's demonstrations said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced political figures who made quick addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'event' are all concerning," said the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted figure to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to place in power," he commented.