🔗 Share this article

A multitude of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's leader were joined on the avenues of the capital city on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army division, who previously that day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Proceeding With Heavy Transports

Protesters marched with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated military transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The military's intervention increased pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The young people-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the youth activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Measures

Earlier in the day, police used disorientation devices and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The freshly assigned defense minister also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who disagree with us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Madagascar's armed forces continues to be a mediator and forms the country's final safeguard."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of soldiers urged other military units to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they exited their base.

"Let us join forces, military, paramilitary and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to shoot our friends, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also calling on troops at the airport to "stop all flights from departing".

"Close the entrances and expect our directions," he said. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Aim your arms at those who command you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."

Leader's Inactivity

No updates has been posted on the president's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was photographed meeting the directors of 10 of the nation's universities to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Worries

An protester who participated in the Saturday protests expressed she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to power. She also criticised political figures who made short speeches to the masses in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all dangerous," said the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized collective of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he said.