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Thousands of demonstrators opposing the nation's president were joined on the roads of the capital on Saturday by troops from an premier army division, who earlier in the day said they would not fire on activists.

Marching With Heavy Transports

Activists proceeded alongside military personnel from the Capsat division, who operated military cars, some brandishing national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel installed the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Strain on the President

The troops' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for resign. The young people-led rallies broke out on 25 September, initially over service disruptions. However, they quickly broadened into demands for a total overhaul of the governance structure, with the gen Z demonstrators not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Actions

Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed stun grenades and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The freshly assigned minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our brothers who oppose us to focus on communication," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Military Defiance

However, a Capsat officer joined by a large group of troops appealed to other troop formations to "refuse orders to attack your friends", in a footage that was posted on social media before they left their base.

"Let us join forces, army, security forces and officers, and reject payment to shoot our friends, our comrades and our compatriots," he said, also urging troops at the airfield to "prevent all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the gates and await our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey directives from your officers. Aim your weapons at those who command you to fire on your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our relatives if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the head of state's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's higher education institutions to address enhancing educational conditions.

Protester Worries

An demonstrator who participated in the Saturday protests stated she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised government officials who made brief statements to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," commented the protester, who requested anonymity for concern for her safety.

Young Generation Perspective

A participant of the young activists, a leaderless collective of young people that has assisted in organizing the protests, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but significant events are unfolding [and] we do not desire another untrustworthy person to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he stated.