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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's president were supported on the roads of the capital on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army division, who that morning stated they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding Alongside Military Vehicles

Protesters marched together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who piloted heavy cars, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers brought the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the President

The soldiers' participation ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on stand down. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly widened into appeals for a total reform of the political system, with the younger generation demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, police fired flashbangs and riot control agents to try to break up the activists. The recently appointed defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army remains a peacemaker and forms the nation's final safeguard."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "disobey commands to attack your comrades", in a video that was shared on social media before they departed from their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, army, paramilitary and police, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also appealing to troops at the aviation hub to "block all planes from departing".

"Shut the access points and expect our orders," he stated. "Ignore directives from your commanders. Point your arms at those who order you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we perish."

President's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who attended the Saturday rallies said she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised government officials who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all concerning," commented the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Gen Z Outlook

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of young people that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.