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Numerous activists opposing the nation's head of state were accompanied on the streets of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army squadron, who that morning stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Transports

Protesters walked with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who drove military cars, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The soldiers' involvement ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding resign. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into appeals for a complete reform of the political system, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, police used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who oppose us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a mediator and represents the country's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a recording that was shared on digital networks before they left their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and officers, and reject payment to shoot our comrades, our colleagues and our compatriots," he said, also calling on military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Close the gates and await our orders," he said. "Ignore directives from your commanders. Aim your arms at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

President's Silence

Nothing has been shared on the leader's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to talk about improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An activist who participated in the Saturday protests said she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced politicians who made short speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of the youth movement, a decentralized group of students that has helped to coordinate the protests, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another corrupted figure to take the power here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he commented.