A multitude of activists in opposition to the nation's leader were accompanied on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an premier army division, who earlier in the day said they would not shoot at activists.
Marching With Heavy Vehicles
Protesters walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.
Speaking to the Gathering
A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.
Escalating Pressure on the Leader
The soldiers' involvement increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The youth-led rallies broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into appeals for a complete overhaul of the political system, with the gen Z activists not appeased by Rajoelina firing his government last week.
Police Measures
Earlier in the day, police deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to scatter the protesters. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.
"We urge our comrades who are against us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a mediator and represents the state's last line of defence."
Army Opposition
However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of military personnel appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your allies", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they left their barracks.
"We should unite, troops, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he stated, also calling on troops at the airport to "prevent all planes from departing".
"Secure the gates and wait for our directions," he said. "Ignore orders from your officers. Direct your arms at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we die."
President's Lack of Response
No information has been posted on the leader's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's colleges to address bettering the student experience.
Demonstrator Apprehensions
An protester who joined the Saturday demonstrations stated she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also denounced political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".
"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for concern for her security.
Gen Z Viewpoint
A member of the young activists, a non-hierarchical organization of young people that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to install in leadership," he said.
