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Numerous protesters in opposition to Madagascar's president were supported on the roads of the capital on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an premier army division, who that morning declared they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing With Armored Vehicles

Activists walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who piloted military vehicles, some brandishing the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the President

The military's intervention ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for step aside. The student-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, law enforcement fired disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to break up the protesters. The newly named defense minister also called on troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a peacemaker and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "disobey commands to attack your comrades", in a recording that was posted on social media before they left their base.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "prevent all planes from taking off".

"Secure the access points and wait for our instructions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the president's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss improving educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who participated in that day's demonstrations expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised political figures who made brief statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all risky," stated the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Youth Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to place in power," he stated.