Numerous demonstrators in opposition to the nation's leader were supported on the avenues of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not shoot at protesters.
Proceeding Together with Military Vehicles
Protesters marched with troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove military transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.
Appealing to the Gathering
A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.
Raising Tension on the Leader
The military's participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding resign. The young people-led protests commenced on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a total overhaul of the political system, with the younger generation protesters not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.
Law Enforcement Actions
That morning, police fired flashbangs and teargas to try to scatter the activists. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.
"We call on our comrades who are against us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a peacemaker and constitutes the state's final safeguard."
Military Defiance
However, a Capsat commander supported by a large group of military personnel appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your comrades", in a recording that was shared on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.
"Let us join forces, army, security forces and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "prevent all planes from taking off".
"Close the access points and wait for our orders," he stated. "Ignore orders from your superiors. Aim your arms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our relatives if we are killed."
President's Lack of Response
No information has been published on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss bettering students' lives.
Activist Concerns
An demonstrator who participated in that day's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made quick statements to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".
"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'event' are all dangerous," commented the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her well-being.
Young Generation Outlook
A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest individual to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to elect who to place in power," he commented.
