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Numerous demonstrators against the nation's president were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who earlier in the day declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Together with Armored Cars

Protesters proceeded with soldiers from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some waving national 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 cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers brought the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Strain on the Head of State

The military's involvement ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly widened into demands for a total reform of the government system, with the younger generation demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Earlier in the day, police fired disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed military affairs minister also urged troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who are against us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military is still a peacemaker and represents the country's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat officer supported by a sizable contingent of soldiers urged other military units to "refuse orders to attack your comrades", in a video that was shared on digital networks before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, military, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to attack our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also appealing to troops at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Secure the access points and await our directions," he declared. "Ignore directives from your commanders. Aim your firearms at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we are killed."

President's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the president's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to discuss bettering the student experience.

Demonstrator Apprehensions

An protester who attended the Saturday demonstrations expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made brief speeches to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'development' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for concern for her security.

Youth Outlook

A participant of the young activists, a decentralized collective of youth that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he commented.