Troops from elite Capsat unit align with rallies against the nation's president

Thousands of protesters in opposition to Madagascar's president were joined on the roads of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an premier army squadron, who earlier in the day said they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Alongside Heavy Cars

Demonstrators proceeded alongside soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated armored vehicles, some brandishing national flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers brought the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The troops' participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for stand down. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a complete reform of the political system, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Police Actions

Previously that day, police deployed flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who oppose us to emphasize communication," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers called on other military units to "refuse orders to attack your friends", in a video that was shared on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to fire upon our friends, our comrades and our sisters," he stated, also calling on soldiers at the aviation hub to "block all planes from leaving".

"Close the entrances and wait for our directions," he declared. "Ignore commands from your superiors. Point your weapons at those who order you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we die."

Leader's Lack of Response

Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the country's colleges to address bettering students' lives.

Protester Apprehensions

An demonstrator who joined the Saturday rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned politicians who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'situation' are all risky," stated the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.

Youth Perspective

A participant of the young activists, a non-hierarchical organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to place in power," he commented.