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Numerous demonstrators in opposition to the nation's president were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Armored Transports

Protesters proceeded together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated military transports, some waving national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The military's intervention escalated strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for resign. The student-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a total reform of the governance structure, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, security forces deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and represents the nation's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a large group of soldiers called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to attack your comrades", in a footage that was published on online platforms before they left their barracks.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and law enforcement, and reject payment to fire upon our friends, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the airport to "block all aircraft from taking off".

"Close the access points and expect our instructions," he stated. "Ignore orders from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

President's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Activist Concerns

An activist who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'event' are all risky," said the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her safety.

Gen Z Outlook

A representative of the young activists, a leaderless collective of young people that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.