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Numerous activists opposing Madagascar's leader were joined on the roads of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an elite army unit, who that morning declared they would not fire on demonstrators.

Advancing With Military Vehicles

Protesters walked alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The military's involvement escalated strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on stand down. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into demands for a total reform of the governance structure, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Security Forces Response

Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The recently appointed military affairs minister also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

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

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of troops called on other army divisions to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was published on digital networks before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and police, and reject payment to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "block all planes from departing".

"Secure the access points and await our instructions," he declared. "Do not obey directives from your commanders. Direct your weapons at those who command you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the leader's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was pictured conferring with the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Protester Worries

An activist who participated in the Saturday rallies stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made short statements to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'event' are all risky," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Gen Z Outlook

A representative of the young activists, a decentralized group of students that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to elect who to put up there," he stated.