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A multitude of activists in opposition to the nation's leader were accompanied on the roads of the capital on Saturday by troops from an specialized army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Alongside Military Transports

Demonstrators proceeded alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The youth-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Response

Earlier in the day, police fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to break up the activists. The newly named military affairs minister also appealed to soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to emphasize communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and represents the country's final safeguard."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of troops appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and decline compensation to attack our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging troops at the airport to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the gates and expect our orders," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Point your arms at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our relatives if we die."

President's Silence

No updates has been posted on the president's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's universities to discuss improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in that day's protests stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'event' are all concerning," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Youth Outlook

A member of the young activists, a decentralized organization of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to put up there," he commented.