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Thousands of demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's president were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an premier army unit, who that morning said they would not shoot at activists.

Advancing Together with Armored Transports

Activists walked alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who operated armored cars, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Leader

The military's involvement ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a comprehensive restructuring of the governance structure, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

That morning, security forces deployed disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to scatter the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who oppose us to focus on discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the nation's final safeguard."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of soldiers appealed to other army divisions to "disobey commands to fire upon your friends", in a video that was posted on social media before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and law enforcement, and reject payment to attack our allies, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from departing".

"Shut the access points and await our directions," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Direct your arms at those who order you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our families if we are killed."

President's Silence

No updates has been published on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen conferring with the heads of 10 of the nation's universities to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Protester Apprehensions

An activist who attended that day's rallies stated she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the protests, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to place in power," he said.