Soldiers from elite Capsat division align with rallies against the nation's head of state

A multitude of activists in opposition to the nation's president were accompanied on the streets of the capital on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army division, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Together with Heavy Cars

Protesters marched together with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated armored vehicles, some waving national flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Head of State

The troops' participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on resign. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into calls for a total overhaul of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Security Forces Response

That morning, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who oppose us to focus on communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and forms the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "refuse orders to shoot your friends", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they departed from their base.

"We should unite, military, security forces and police, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airfield to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the access points and wait for our instructions," he stated. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Direct your arms at those who command you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No updates has been published on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's universities to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday demonstrations expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced government officials who made brief addresses to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all concerning," said the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Perspective

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to install in leadership," he said.