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A multitude of demonstrators opposing the nation's leader were joined on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an elite army unit, who that morning stated they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Armored Transports

Protesters marched with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who operated military transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The military's participation increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly broadened into calls for a comprehensive restructuring of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Earlier in the day, security forces used flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to break up the activists. The freshly assigned defense minister also urged soldiers to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a intermediary and forms the nation's last line of defence."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was posted on social media before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and police, and refuse to be paid to attack our comrades, our colleagues and our sisters," he stated, also calling on military personnel at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Shut the entrances and wait for our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we perish."

President's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the heads of 10 of the state's universities to talk about improving students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An protester who attended that day's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made brief addresses to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'event' are all risky," said the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her security.

Youth Perspective

A participant of the young activists, a decentralized organization of youth that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy figure to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to put up there," he commented.