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A multitude of demonstrators against the nation's president were supported on the roads of the main city on Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army squadron, who that morning said they would not open fire on protesters.

Advancing With Armored Transports

Protesters proceeded together with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' intervention increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into appeals for a total reform of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, security forces fired disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and forms the state's final safeguard."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of military personnel urged other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a footage that was shared on social media before they left their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all planes from leaving".

"Close the access points and await our orders," he said. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Point your arms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our loved ones if we are killed."

Head of State's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to talk about improving educational conditions.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who participated in that day's protests stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced political figures who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'event' are all dangerous," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for concern for her well-being.

Young Generation Perspective

A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to put up there," he said.