🔗 Share this article

Thousands of demonstrators in opposition to the nation's head of state were supported on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an specialized army unit, who earlier in the day declared they would not fire on protesters.

Proceeding Together with Military Cars

Activists proceeded with military personnel from the Capsat division, who operated heavy cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat soldiers propelled the present head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the Head of State

The troops' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for resign. The young people-led protests erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly widened into calls for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the gen Z activists not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Earlier in the day, police fired flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to troops to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

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

Military Opposition

However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a sizable contingent of troops called on other army divisions to "disobey commands to attack your friends", in a footage that was posted on digital networks before they left their base.

"We must combine efforts, military, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our brothers and our compatriots," he declared, also calling on military personnel at the airfield to "stop all aircraft from leaving".

"Shut the access points and expect our orders," he stated. "Do not obey orders from your superiors. Aim your weapons at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not look after our families if we are killed."

Head of State's Silence

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's digital platforms since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the directors of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to discuss enhancing students' lives.

Protester Concerns

An demonstrator who joined that day's rallies said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made brief statements to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all risky," stated the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her well-being.

Gen Z Perspective

A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the protests, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he stated.