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Thousands of demonstrators against Madagascar's leader were joined on the streets of the capital city on Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding Together with Heavy Transports

Demonstrators walked together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who piloted military vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers brought the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Head of State

The soldiers' involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a complete reform of the government system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Police Response

That morning, security forces deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The newly named defense minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army remains a mediator and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a large group of troops urged other army divisions to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, army, gendarmes and officers, and reject payment to attack our friends, our comrades and our sisters," he declared, also calling on troops at the aviation hub to "prevent all flights from taking off".

"Secure the entrances and wait for our instructions," he said. "Ignore orders from your superiors. Direct your firearms at those who command you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been posted on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured conferring with the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday rallies said she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made quick statements to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all risky," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.