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Thousands of demonstrators against the nation's leader were joined on the roads of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an specialized army unit, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Military Transports

Protesters proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who drove armored transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they swiftly expanded into appeals for a complete overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation activists not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Earlier in the day, security forces used stun grenades and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a intermediary and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a significant number of military personnel appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a recording that was published on online platforms before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, gendarmes and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to attack our friends, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he declared, also appealing to troops at the airport to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Shut the gates and await our directions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we are killed."

Head of State's Inactivity

No information has been shared on the president's online profiles since Friday night, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's universities to discuss improving the student experience.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who joined Saturday's rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised government officials who made quick speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'event' are all risky," said the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her security.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to place in power," he said.