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Thousands of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's president were supported on the avenues of the main city on Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Alongside Armored Vehicles

Activists proceeded together with military personnel from the Capsat unit, who operated armored transports, some waving national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel installed the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the President

The military's involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The youth-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a total reform of the government system, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, police fired disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and constitutes the nation's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a significant number of military personnel appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was shared on online platforms before they departed from their headquarters.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Shut the gates and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your officers. Direct your firearms at those who command you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we are killed."

President's Lack of Response

No updates has been posted on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to talk about improving educational conditions.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An protester who participated in the Saturday rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced political figures who made short statements to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all dangerous," said the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her well-being.

Youth Perspective

A member of the young activists, a decentralized collective of students that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we do not desire another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to select who to install in leadership," he said.