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Numerous demonstrators in opposition to the nation's president were supported on the streets of the capital city on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on demonstrators.

Marching Together with Military Vehicles

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

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers installed the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Leader

The troops' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led rallies commenced on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a complete reform of the political system, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Measures

Earlier in the day, law enforcement used disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to disperse the demonstrators. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to military personnel to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a sizable contingent of troops called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your comrades", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they left their base.

"We should unite, army, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also urging soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the access points and wait for our orders," he stated. "Disregard orders from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to discuss improving students' lives.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who attended that day's demonstrations stated she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced political figures who made quick addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all risky," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.

Gen Z Outlook

A participant of the youth movement, a leaderless group of young people that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another dishonest person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to place in power," he commented.