🔗 Share this article Troops from premier Capsat unit align with demonstrations against the nation's head of state A multitude of activists against the nation's leader were accompanied on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an premier army squadron, who that morning declared they would not fire on activists. Proceeding With Armored Transports Activists marched together with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo. Speaking to the Crowds A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009. Increasing Strain on the President The soldiers' involvement escalated strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding stand down. The student-led rallies commenced on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they rapidly widened into demands for a complete overhaul of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his administration last week. Law Enforcement Actions That morning, security forces fired disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday. "We call on our colleagues who oppose us to focus on dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a mediator and constitutes the country's ultimate protection." Troop Opposition However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel appealed to other military units to "disobey commands to fire upon your friends", in a footage that was shared on social media before they left their barracks. "Let us join forces, troops, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he said, also urging soldiers at the airport to "block all aircraft from taking off". "Close the access points and expect our orders," he declared. "Do not obey commands from your officers. Direct your arms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our loved ones if we perish." Leader's Lack of Response Nothing has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss bettering students' lives. Activist Apprehensions An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday protests expressed she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned politicians who made brief speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals". "This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all risky," commented the activist, who didn't want to be named for concern for her well-being. Gen Z Perspective A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical group of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy person to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to put up there," he said.