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Thousands of demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were joined on the avenues of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army squadron, who that morning declared they would not shoot at protesters.

Advancing Alongside Armored Vehicles

Protesters walked together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who piloted military vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers installed the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the President

The soldiers' intervention increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding stand down. The youth-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly expanded into appeals for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Security Forces Response

Earlier in the day, law enforcement used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed military affairs minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army remains a intermediary and represents the state's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a large group of military personnel called on other troop formations to "refuse orders to shoot your comrades", in a recording that was published on social media before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, troops, gendarmes and law enforcement, and reject payment to attack our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he declared, also urging troops at the airport to "prevent all aircraft from leaving".

"Close the gates and expect our instructions," he said. "Disregard commands from your officers. Direct your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not take care of our families if we die."

Leader's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the leader's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured conferring with the directors of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to address improving educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An activist who participated in the Saturday rallies expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced government officials who made brief addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people circling this 'development' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for concern for her security.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he said.