Military personnel from elite Capsat squadron participate in rallies against the nation's head of state

Numerous demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were accompanied on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not fire on demonstrators.

Proceeding Together with Military Cars

Protesters marched with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated armored vehicles, some displaying national flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been denied entry to. Capsat troops installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the President

The soldiers' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation protesters not appeased by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

That morning, police fired stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the activists. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also urged troops to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who oppose us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and forms the state's last line of defence."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was shared on social media before they departed from their base.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to troops at the aviation hub to "prevent all aircraft from leaving".

"Close the access points and expect our orders," he said. "Do not obey commands from your superiors. Aim your arms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we perish."

Leader's Inactivity

No information has been posted on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Worries

An protester who attended the Saturday rallies stated she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced government officials who made quick statements to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'situation' are all concerning," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for fear for her safety.

Youth Viewpoint

A representative of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical collective of young people that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to select who to install in leadership," he commented.