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A multitude of activists against Madagascar's president were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing With Military Cars

Demonstrators marched alongside soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who drove heavy cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The military's intervention ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding resign. The youth-led rallies commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly widened into calls for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z activists not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement fired flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the demonstrators. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to prioritise communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and constitutes the state's ultimate protection."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other military units to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they departed from their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also calling on soldiers at the airfield to "block all planes from departing".

"Secure the entrances and expect our directions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

No information has been published on the leader's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to address enhancing educational conditions.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who joined Saturday's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made quick statements to the masses in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A representative of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he said.