🔗 Share this article

Thousands of activists against the nation's head of state were accompanied on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not fire on activists.

Proceeding With Heavy Vehicles

Protesters marched alongside soldiers from the Capsat unit, who operated heavy vehicles, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel brought the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the Leader

The military's involvement increased tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they quickly broadened into calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the political system, with the younger generation activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Earlier in the day, police deployed flashbangs and chemical irritants to try to scatter the protesters. The newly named defense minister also urged troops to "keep peaceful", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and constitutes the state's ultimate protection."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a significant number of military personnel urged other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was shared on online platforms before they exited their headquarters.

"Let us join forces, military, gendarmes and law enforcement, and decline compensation to fire upon our allies, our colleagues and our compatriots," he stated, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "block all flights from taking off".

"Shut the access points and wait for our directions," he said. "Do not obey commands from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our families if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been posted on the head of state's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Worries

An activist who participated in that day's rallies said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made brief statements to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Youth Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless organization of youth that has helped to coordinate the rallies, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest figure to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to choose who to place in power," he commented.