🔗 Share this article

Thousands of protesters against the nation's president were joined on the streets of the capital city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an specialized army division, who previously that day declared they would not shoot at protesters.

Marching Together with Armored Vehicles

Activists proceeded together with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove heavy transports, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the current president, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The troops' participation escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for step aside. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they quickly widened into calls for a total restructuring of the governance structure, with the gen Z activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Police Actions

Previously that day, security forces deployed flashbangs and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Madagascar's armed forces remains a peacemaker and represents the country's final safeguard."

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat officer joined by a significant number of soldiers called on other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your friends", in a recording that was shared on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, paramilitary and police, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our comrades and our sisters," he said, also calling on troops at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Shut the entrances and await our directions," he declared. "Disregard directives from your commanders. Direct your arms at those who instruct you to attack your military brothers, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the president's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was seen conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to address improving educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's rallies stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to power. She also criticised politicians who made brief statements to the masses in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'situation' are all concerning," said the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A member of the young activists, a decentralized organization of young people that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted figure to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the opportunity to elect who to place in power," he said.