Troops from premier Capsat division participate in demonstrations against Madagascar's head of state

Numerous demonstrators against the nation's president were joined on the avenues of the capital city on Saturday by soldiers from an elite army division, who that morning declared they would not fire on demonstrators.

Advancing Together with Heavy Cars

Protesters proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who drove military cars, some displaying the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The military's intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding resign. The student-led protests erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly widened into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the political system, with the younger generation demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also urged military personnel to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a significant number of troops appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was published on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, army, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also calling on troops at the airfield to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Close the gates and expect our orders," he declared. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the leader's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the country's colleges to address bettering the student experience.

Activist Apprehensions

An demonstrator who attended the Saturday protests stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned politicians who made quick statements to the masses in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her security.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of young people that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another corrupted figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to put up there," he stated.