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Numerous protesters opposing the nation's leader were accompanied on the roads of the main city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an elite army unit, who previously that day stated they would not fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Armored Transports

Demonstrators walked together with military personnel from the Capsat division, who piloted armored transports, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Leader

The soldiers' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The young people-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into demands for a total reform of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement deployed disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the activists. The newly named defense minister also called on soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our colleagues who disagree with us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a intermediary and represents the state's last line of defence."

Troop Resistance

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of military personnel urged other military units to "reject directives to attack your friends", in a recording that was published on social media before they departed from their barracks.

"Let us join forces, troops, gendarmes and police, and reject payment to fire upon our friends, our colleagues and our compatriots," he declared, also urging soldiers at the airport to "stop all flights from leaving".

"Close the entrances and expect our instructions," he declared. "Ignore orders from your superiors. Direct your weapons at those who order you to attack your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we perish."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been posted on the president's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the state's colleges to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who joined Saturday's protests said she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

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

Young Generation Viewpoint

A representative of the young activists, a non-hierarchical organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another corrupted figure to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to put up there," he commented.