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

Marching Alongside Military Transports

Activists marched together with troops from the Capsat division, who drove armored transports, some brandishing the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Strain on the President

The troops' involvement ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they quickly expanded into calls for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the younger generation protesters not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Earlier in the day, security forces used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also urged soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who oppose us to prioritise discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a mediator and represents the country's ultimate protection."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other troop formations to "disobey commands to fire upon your allies", in a video that was published on online platforms before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and police, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also calling on soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all flights from taking off".

"Secure the access points and wait for our directions," he said. "Disregard directives from your officers. Point your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been posted on the head of state's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed meeting the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who participated in that day's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced politicians who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'situation' are all risky," stated the activist, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he said.