Military personnel from premier Capsat division join rallies against the nation's leader

A multitude of protesters against Madagascar's head of state were joined on the streets of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an elite army division, who previously that day said they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding With Military Cars

Activists walked alongside soldiers from the Capsat division, who drove military transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The military's involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the government system, with the gen Z activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Response

That morning, security forces used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to break up the activists. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to focus on discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and represents the state's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a significant number of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they departed from their barracks.

"We should unite, army, paramilitary and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our comrades and our compatriots," he stated, also urging troops at the airport to "block all flights from leaving".

"Secure the access points and wait for our instructions," he declared. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Point your arms at those who instruct you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been posted on the head of state's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about enhancing the student experience.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who attended Saturday's protests stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made short statements 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 gravitating around this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her security.

Gen Z Outlook

A member of the young activists, a leaderless organization of young people that has assisted in organizing the protests, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.