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Thousands of protesters opposing the nation's president were joined on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an specialized army division, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Proceeding With Military Transports

Activists walked with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy cars, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement increased tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for stand down. The young people-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a total restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Previously that day, security forces used stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named 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 continues to be a intermediary and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat officer supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel urged other military units to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a footage that was shared on online platforms before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and officers, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also calling on military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from taking off".

"Secure the access points and wait for our instructions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Point your arms at those who command you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the president's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's colleges to discuss improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An activist who participated in Saturday's rallies expressed she was concerned about the role 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 addresses to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'situation' are all risky," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A representative of the young activists, a leaderless organization of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to select who to put up there," he commented.