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A multitude of demonstrators against the nation's head of state were accompanied on the roads of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an elite army division, who previously that day said they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Together with Heavy Transports

Protesters marched alongside soldiers from the Capsat division, who piloted heavy vehicles, some displaying national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Leader

The military's participation increased strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the youth activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

That morning, security forces fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who are against us to prioritise dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a intermediary and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a significant number of soldiers urged other army divisions to "disobey commands to shoot your friends", in a footage that was published on social media before they departed from their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to attack our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Close the gates and await our instructions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Aim your weapons at those who order you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

No updates has been posted on the leader's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's colleges to address enhancing the student experience.

Protester Apprehensions

An protester who participated in that day's rallies expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made short statements to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'development' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the young activists, a decentralized organization of young people that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to select who to put up there," he said.