🔗 Share this article

A multitude of activists against Madagascar's president were joined on the roads of the capital city on Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who earlier in the day stated they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing With Military Transports

Activists proceeded with troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted military vehicles, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been denied entry to. Capsat military personnel propelled the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the Head of State

The troops' involvement ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a complete reform of the governance structure, with the younger generation activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Measures

Previously that day, police used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also called on soldiers to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We call on our comrades who oppose us to prioritise communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military remains a mediator and constitutes the state's last line of defence."

Troop Defiance

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

"We should unite, troops, gendarmes and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from taking off".

"Close the entrances and await our directions," he stated. "Disregard directives from your superiors. Point your arms at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."

Leader's Lack of Response

No updates has been shared on the leader's digital platforms since Friday evening, when he was seen discussing with the directors of 10 of the nation's colleges to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Demonstrator Concerns

An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's rallies stated she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also condemned politicians who made quick addresses to the gathering in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".

"That's why I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the protester, who requested anonymity for fear for her well-being.

Youth Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of youth that has assisted in organizing the protests, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to elect who to place in power," he said.