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Thousands of activists in opposition to the nation's leader were joined on the streets of the capital on Saturday afternoon by military personnel from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day stated they would not fire on activists.

Marching Together with Heavy Transports

Protesters walked together with troops from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Head of State

The troops' intervention increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on resign. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into calls for a complete overhaul of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

Earlier in the day, security forces fired disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the activists. The freshly assigned military affairs minister also urged soldiers to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who are against us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a mediator and represents the country's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other military units to "reject directives to shoot your friends", in a footage that was published on social media before they left their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, military, security forces and officers, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also appealing to soldiers at the airport to "block all planes from leaving".

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

Leader's Lack of Response

No updates has been shared on the leader's online profiles since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to talk about improving the student experience.

Demonstrator Concerns

An demonstrator who joined that day's demonstrations said she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised politicians who made brief addresses to the masses in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'situation' are all risky," said the activist, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A representative of the young activists, a leaderless group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted individual to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the right to select who to place in power," he stated.