Military personnel from specialized Capsat division align with rallies against Madagascar's head of state

Thousands of demonstrators in opposition to the nation's president were supported on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an specialized army division, who previously that day declared they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding With Heavy Transports

Protesters marched together with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated military vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers installed the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The soldiers' participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on resign. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into demands for a comprehensive reform of the governance structure, with the gen Z protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Security Forces Actions

That morning, law enforcement deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to break up the activists. The newly named military affairs minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who disagree with us to emphasize communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and forms the country's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a sizable contingent of troops urged other military units to "reject directives to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was published on social media before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, military, security forces and police, and reject payment to fire upon our comrades, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the access points and await our orders," he said. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Direct your weapons at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Silence

No updates has been published on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to address enhancing the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in that day's protests said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. She also condemned politicians who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

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

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless collective of young people that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to choose who to put up there," he said.