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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were supported on the avenues of the main city on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army squadron, who that morning declared they would not open fire on activists.

Marching Alongside Military Transports

Protesters walked together with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' intervention ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been calling for resign. The student-led protests erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Earlier in the day, security forces used flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and represents the country's last line of defence."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was posted on social media before they departed from their barracks.

"We should unite, military, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from taking off".

"Secure the gates and wait for our instructions," he said. "Disregard commands from your commanders. Direct your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not support our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No updates has been posted on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured meeting the heads of 10 of the country's colleges to discuss enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who joined Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," said the activist, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Youth Viewpoint

A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical group of students that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to place in power," he said.