🔗 Share this article

Numerous protesters against the nation's president were joined on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army squadron, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at activists.

Proceeding Together with Armored Vehicles

Protesters marched alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive masses in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been denied entry to. Capsat soldiers propelled the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Leader

The troops' participation increased tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding step aside. The youth-led protests broke out on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Security Forces Measures

Previously that day, police fired stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the protesters. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who oppose us to emphasize communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Madagascar's armed forces is still a intermediary and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a large group of troops called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was posted on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"We should unite, troops, security forces and officers, and reject payment to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our sisters," he declared, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from leaving".

"Secure the access points and await our orders," he said. "Ignore commands from your officers. Direct your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been published on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to address improving students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An activist who joined Saturday's rallies said she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her safety.

Gen Z Outlook

A member of the young activists, a leaderless organization of students that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to elect who to place in power," he said.