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Thousands of activists against the nation's head of state were joined on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an elite army division, who previously that day said they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Cars

Demonstrators walked alongside soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who operated military transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' intervention increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they quickly expanded into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the government system, with the younger generation demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Earlier in the day, police used disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged military personnel to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of soldiers appealed to other military units to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they departed from their barracks.

"We should unite, troops, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "prevent all planes from leaving".

"Secure the gates and await our instructions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your officers. Direct your arms at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

No information has been shared on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the heads of 10 of the country's universities to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Protester Apprehensions

An activist who attended that day's rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised politicians who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

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

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless organization of youth that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another untrustworthy person to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he said.