🔗 Share this article

Thousands of activists in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were joined on the roads of the main city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an premier army unit, who that morning said they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching With Armored Cars

Activists walked together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated military transports, some displaying national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat soldiers installed the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the President

The soldiers' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they quickly broadened into calls for a total overhaul of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Security Forces Measures

That morning, law enforcement used disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The recently appointed military affairs minister also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who are against us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military remains a intermediary and represents the nation's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat commander supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers appealed to other military units to "reject directives to shoot your allies", in a recording that was published on digital networks before they exited their headquarters.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and law enforcement, and reject payment to attack our comrades, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging military personnel at the airport to "prevent all flights from departing".

"Close the gates and expect our instructions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your commanders. Aim your arms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

Head of State's Silence

No updates has been published on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was seen meeting the heads of 10 of the nation's universities to address enhancing students' lives.

Protester Worries

An protester who participated in the Saturday demonstrations stated she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also condemned government officials who made brief speeches to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," said the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical collective of youth that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to place in power," he said.