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Thousands of demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were supported on the avenues of the capital city on Saturday by troops from an premier army squadron, who previously that day declared they would not fire on protesters.

Marching Alongside Armored Cars

Activists marched alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who piloted armored transports, some brandishing the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for stand down. The young people-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly expanded into appeals for a complete restructuring of the governance structure, with the youth demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, police fired flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to disperse the protesters. The freshly assigned defense minister also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to focus on discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a intermediary and forms the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a large group of troops called on other army divisions to "disobey commands to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was posted on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and police, and decline compensation to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he stated, also appealing to soldiers at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Shut the access points and expect our directions," he said. "Ignore commands from your commanders. Point your arms at those who instruct you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our families if we die."

President's Silence

No updates has been published on the leader's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's universities to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who attended the Saturday rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced government officials who made short addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'event' are all dangerous," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless organization of young people that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want 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 commented.