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Numerous demonstrators against the nation's leader were accompanied on the roads of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army division, who earlier in the day said they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Cars

Activists proceeded alongside military personnel from the Capsat division, who piloted military cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Strain on the President

The military's participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into appeals for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Previously that day, police fired stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed defense minister also urged troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who oppose us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and forms the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "disobey commands to shoot your friends", in a recording that was published on online platforms before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging troops at the airport to "block all aircraft from leaving".

"Secure the access points and wait for our orders," he said. "Do not obey directives from your commanders. Point your firearms at those who command you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

President's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the president's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to address bettering students' lives.

Demonstrator Concerns

An activist who participated in Saturday's rallies said she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised government officials who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all risky," said the activist, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Viewpoint

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 happen next. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to put up there," he stated.