Military personnel from elite Capsat squadron join demonstrations against the nation's president

Thousands of protesters in opposition to the nation's head of state were joined on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an premier army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing Alongside Armored Vehicles

Protesters marched alongside military personnel from the Capsat unit, who drove armored transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Head of State

The military's involvement escalated tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on resign. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they quickly expanded into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Police Response

Previously that day, law enforcement used stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to disperse the demonstrators. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also called on troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who oppose us to prioritise discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and represents the nation's last line of defence."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a large group of soldiers urged other military units to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a recording that was published on social media before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Close the gates and await our instructions," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Point your arms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

President's Silence

Nothing has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the country's colleges to discuss bettering educational conditions.

Protester Concerns

An protester who attended that day's demonstrations stated she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised political figures who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her well-being.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of young people that has assisted in organizing the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to elect who to place in power," he said.