Troops from elite Capsat squadron align with protests against Madagascar's head of state

A multitude of demonstrators opposing Madagascar's leader were supported on the streets of the main city on Saturday by soldiers from an specialized army unit, who that morning stated they would not shoot at demonstrators.

Marching With Armored Transports

Demonstrators marched together with military personnel from the Capsat division, who drove military transports, some displaying the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the President

The soldiers' intervention escalated tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding resign. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly broadened into appeals for a total reform of the government system, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his administration last week.

Security Forces Response

Previously that day, police fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The newly named minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who are against us to prioritise dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat leader supported by a significant number of troops appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to shoot your comrades", in a video that was posted on digital networks before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, security forces and law enforcement, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging soldiers at the airfield to "prevent all planes from taking off".

"Secure the gates and await our orders," he said. "Disregard orders from your officers. Direct your arms at those who instruct you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No information has been shared on the leader's social media accounts since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the heads of 10 of the state's universities to talk about enhancing educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who attended that day's demonstrations stated she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made quick addresses to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'development' are all concerning," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for concern for her security.

Gen Z Viewpoint

A participant of the youth movement, a non-hierarchical group of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another corrupted person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.