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Thousands of demonstrators opposing the nation's head of state were accompanied on the avenues of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by military personnel from an premier army division, who earlier in the day declared they would not shoot at protesters.

Advancing With Armored Transports

Activists proceeded together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who piloted military vehicles, some waving national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the enthusiastic gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Head of State

The troops' participation increased pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The student-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly broadened into demands for a total restructuring of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Security Forces Measures

That morning, police used stun grenades and teargas to try to scatter the demonstrators. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who are against us to emphasize discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and forms the state's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat leader joined by a large group of soldiers urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your allies", in a recording that was shared on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, army, gendarmes and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our sisters," he said, also calling on military personnel at the airport to "stop all planes from leaving".

"Close the entrances and wait for our instructions," he said. "Do not obey commands from your officers. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to shoot at your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we die."

Leader's Lack of Response

Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was seen meeting the leaders of 10 of the country's higher education institutions to discuss improving the student experience.

Protester Concerns

An protester who participated in the Saturday protests expressed she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned politicians who made brief statements to the masses in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people involved in this 'event' are all risky," said the protester, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Outlook

A member of the youth movement, a leaderless group of young people that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to put up there," he said.