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Numerous protesters opposing the nation's president were joined on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army squadron, who previously that day said they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing Together with Military Transports

Protesters marched alongside troops from the Capsat division, who drove armored cars, some waving the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Head of State

The soldiers' participation ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into calls for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the youth demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Police Actions

Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also appealed to military personnel to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to focus on discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and represents the state's final safeguard."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of troops called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a video that was shared on online platforms before they exited their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, security forces and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our sisters," he said, also calling on military personnel at the aviation hub to "prevent all flights from leaving".

"Close the gates and expect our directions," he said. "Ignore directives from your commanders. Point your firearms at those who command you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we die."

Leader's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the leader's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the leaders of 10 of the nation's universities to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An protester who joined Saturday's rallies said she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made brief speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people involved in this 'situation' are all concerning," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of students that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he stated.