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Numerous activists in opposition to Madagascar's president were supported on the avenues of the capital on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Alongside Military Cars

Demonstrators walked with soldiers from the Capsat division, who drove military transports, some brandishing national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the President

The military's participation escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the younger generation activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, security forces used stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who oppose us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and represents the state's ultimate protection."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of troops appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a video that was shared on social media before they left their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also urging troops at the airfield to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Close the gates and wait for our directions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Point your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to address improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who attended Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced political figures who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," said the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of young people that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted figure to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the opportunity to select who to put up there," he said.