Troops from elite Capsat squadron align with demonstrations against the nation's head of state

A multitude of demonstrators opposing the nation's leader were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Together with Armored Transports

Protesters proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored cars, some waving the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the President

The soldiers' participation increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for resign. The young people-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the government system, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to scatter the demonstrators. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who are against us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of troops urged other army divisions to "disobey commands to fire upon your friends", in a video that was shared on online platforms before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also urging troops at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from taking off".

"Close the gates and wait for our directions," he stated. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Point your weapons at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we die."

Head of State's Silence

No information has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to address enhancing students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An activist who participated in Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced government officials who made brief addresses to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a leaderless organization of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to select who to place in power," he stated.