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Thousands of activists against Madagascar's president were joined on the streets of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an elite army division, who earlier in the day declared they would not fire on protesters.

Marching With Military Transports

Activists marched with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who piloted heavy transports, some brandishing national flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat troops brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the President

The troops' involvement ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding stand down. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly expanded into demands for a total restructuring of the political system, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Police Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to scatter the protesters. The recently appointed defense minister also appealed to troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who are against us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a mediator and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a large group of military personnel urged other troop formations to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a footage that was posted on social media before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging troops at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Secure the gates and expect our instructions," he said. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Direct your firearms at those who order you to attack your military brothers, because they will not look after our relatives if we die."

President's Silence

No information has been published on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made quick addresses to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all concerning," commented the activist, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Gen Z Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a decentralized group of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to install in leadership," he said.