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A multitude of protesters against the nation's leader were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an elite army division, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Advancing Together with Armored Vehicles

Demonstrators walked together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated heavy transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The soldiers' intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they swiftly widened into appeals for a total overhaul of the political system, with the younger generation demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Police Measures

Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The newly named defense minister also urged troops to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a mediator and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a large group of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to shoot your allies", in a recording that was published on digital networks before they exited their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, troops, paramilitary and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our comrades, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airport to "prevent all flights from taking off".

"Shut the entrances and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard orders from your commanders. Point your firearms at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not look after our relatives if we perish."

Leader's Silence

No information has been published on the leader's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday demonstrations said she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced government officials who made brief addresses to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all risky," stated the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Gen Z Perspective

A participant of the young activists, a leaderless organization of youth that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy figure to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to put up there," he said.