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Numerous protesters against the nation's president were supported on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who previously that day declared they would not shoot at protesters.

Proceeding Alongside Military Transports

Activists proceeded together with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated armored cars, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Tension on the Head of State

The troops' involvement ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The youth-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a comprehensive reform of the political system, with the younger generation activists not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Previously that day, law enforcement used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged troops to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to emphasize discussion," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army continues to be a mediator and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other military units to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"We should unite, army, paramilitary and police, and reject payment to attack our friends, our brothers and our sisters," he declared, also urging soldiers at the airport to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Close the gates and wait for our orders," he said. "Disregard directives from your officers. Point your arms at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

Head of State's Silence

No updates has been published on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address improving students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made short speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her safety.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the protests, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to select who to put up there," he commented.