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A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to the nation's leader were joined on the streets of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an specialized army division, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at activists.

Marching Alongside Military Cars

Protesters marched alongside troops from the Capsat division, who piloted military cars, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the Leader

The soldiers' participation ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on stand down. The young people-led rallies erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they quickly expanded into calls for a total restructuring of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Measures

That morning, law enforcement used flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named defense minister also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to emphasize communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and constitutes the state's final safeguard."

Army Opposition

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of soldiers called on other military units to "disobey commands to shoot your comrades", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our colleagues and our compatriots," he stated, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from taking off".

"Secure the entrances and await our directions," he said. "Do not obey commands from your commanders. Direct your arms at those who instruct you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our loved ones if we are killed."

Leader's Silence

No updates has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was pictured conferring with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to address bettering the student experience.

Activist Concerns

An protester who joined that day's demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced political figures who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'situation' are all concerning," said the activist, who requested anonymity for apprehension for her well-being.

Youth Outlook

A participant of the young activists, a leaderless collective of students that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to choose who to place in power," he said.