Troops from premier Capsat division participate in protests against the nation's head of state

Numerous demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were joined on the avenues of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who that morning said they would not fire on protesters.

Marching Together with Heavy Transports

Demonstrators proceeded with military personnel from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy cars, some brandishing the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Leader

The troops' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a total overhaul of the political system, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Earlier in the day, law enforcement used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed military affairs minister also appealed to soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to prioritise discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a intermediary and constitutes the state's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a large group of soldiers called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your comrades", in a footage that was posted on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and law enforcement, and reject payment to fire upon our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the airfield to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Close the access points and await our orders," he stated. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our relatives if we perish."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the state's colleges to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who participated in that day's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned politicians who made brief statements to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all dangerous," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Perspective

A member of the young activists, a decentralized organization of young people that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he said.