🔗 Share this article

Numerous activists in opposition to Madagascar's leader were supported on the roads of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army unit, who that morning stated they would not shoot at activists.

Advancing Alongside Armored Transports

Activists marched alongside troops from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy vehicles, some brandishing Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a seizure of power in 2009.

Increasing Tension on the Head of State

The soldiers' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding stand down. The young people-led protests erupted on 25 September, originally over utility shortages. However, they quickly widened into demands for a total restructuring of the political system, with the youth protesters not placated by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, security forces fired flashbangs and riot control agents to try to scatter the activists. The newly named minister of the armed forces also urged military personnel to "remain calm", at a media briefing on Saturday.

"We call on our colleagues who disagree with us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and constitutes the country's last line of defence."

Military Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a large group of soldiers urged other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your friends", in a recording that was published on online platforms before they exited their barracks.

"Let us join forces, troops, security forces and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on military personnel at the airfield to "prevent all planes from taking off".

"Close the access points and await our directions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Aim your weapons at those who command you to attack your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our loved ones if we die."

Leader's Silence

Nothing has been published on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Activist Worries

An demonstrator who participated in that day's rallies expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned government officials who made brief addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'event' are all concerning," commented the protester, who declined to give her name for fear for her safety.

Gen Z Perspective

A participant of the youth movement, a leaderless organization of students that has assisted in organizing the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to gain authority here, so we will do everything to have the privilege to choose who to install in leadership," he commented.