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Numerous activists against Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the streets of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an elite army unit, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding With Heavy Cars

Activists walked alongside soldiers from the Capsat division, who drove armored vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' intervention ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for stand down. The young people-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a total restructuring of the political system, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Earlier in the day, security forces deployed disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also called on troops to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of military personnel appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your friends", in a recording that was published on digital networks before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from taking off".

"Shut the gates and await our orders," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your commanders. Point your arms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been posted on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about bettering students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An protester who participated in that day's protests expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced political figures who made short statements to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all risky," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Youth Perspective

A participant of the youth movement, a leaderless collective of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he commented.