🔗 Share this article

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

Marching With Armored Transports

Activists walked with military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who drove armored vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Raising Strain on the Leader

The troops' participation escalated tension on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on stand down. The student-led rallies erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the governance structure, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Previously that day, law enforcement fired flashbangs and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also appealed to military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to emphasize dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and constitutes the nation's ultimate protection."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of military personnel called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to shoot your comrades", in a footage that was shared on digital networks before they departed from their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "prevent all aircraft from leaving".

"Shut the access points and wait for our instructions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we perish."

Leader's Lack of Response

No information has been published on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was seen conferring with the directors of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to talk about enhancing the student experience.

Activist Concerns

An demonstrator who joined that day's protests stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised political figures who made quick speeches to the gathering in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'event' are all concerning," stated the activist, who didn't want to be named for fear for her safety.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he said.