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Numerous activists opposing the nation's head of state were supported on the roads of the main city on Saturday by troops from an specialized army division, who that morning declared they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding Together with Armored Cars

Protesters proceeded alongside soldiers from the Capsat unit, who drove armored vehicles, some brandishing national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops brought the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The military's involvement escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into appeals for a total reform of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

That morning, law enforcement fired stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the demonstrators. The recently appointed military affairs minister also urged soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and represents the nation's last line of defence."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a sizable contingent of troops called on other army divisions to "disobey commands to fire upon your friends", in a video that was published on social media before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to shoot our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging troops at the airfield to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the entrances and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard orders from your officers. Aim your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our families if we die."

Leader's Silence

No updates has been posted on the president's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was pictured meeting the directors of 10 of the country's universities to discuss improving educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's protests said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made brief speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a leaderless group of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he said.