🔗 Share this article

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

Marching Alongside Military Cars

Protesters proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated heavy transports, some displaying national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

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

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The troops' participation ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding resign. The youth-led protests broke out on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, police fired stun grenades and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The freshly assigned defense minister also appealed to military personnel to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who disagree with us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army continues to be a peacemaker and forms the country's ultimate protection."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel urged other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was published on social media before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and police, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our comrades and our compatriots," he stated, also appealing to troops at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Shut the gates and await our orders," he declared. "Ignore commands from your commanders. Direct your weapons at those who command you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

President's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was photographed conferring with the heads of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who joined that day's rallies expressed she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised government officials who made quick speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all risky," said the protester, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to elect who to place in power," he said.