Soldiers from elite Capsat unit join demonstrations against the nation's leader
Thousands of activists against the nation's leader were supported on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army division, who earlier in the day said they would not shoot at demonstrators.
Advancing Together with Military Vehicles
Protesters walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat division, who drove heavy transports, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.
Speaking to the Masses
A Capsat leader, Lylison Renรฉ de Rolland, then addressed the cheering gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the present president, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.
Escalating Pressure on the Head of State
The military's involvement escalated strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been demanding step aside. The student-led protests commenced on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a comprehensive reform of the political system, with the gen Z activists not appeased by Rajoelina removing his government last week.
Law Enforcement Actions
Earlier in the day, police used disorientation devices and chemical irritants to try to break up the protesters. The newly named defense minister also appealed to troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.
"We call on our comrades who oppose us to focus on dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a intermediary and represents the nation's ultimate protection."
Troop Defiance
However, a Capsat leader joined by a significant number of soldiers appealed to other troop formations to "reject directives to fire upon your allies", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they exited their base.
"We must combine efforts, military, gendarmes and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our allies, our colleagues and our sisters," he stated, also urging military personnel at the airfield to "block all aircraft from departing".
"Close the gates and expect our directions," he said. "Ignore directives from your officers. Point your firearms at those who order you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we perish."
President's Lack of Response
Nothing has been posted on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to address enhancing students' lives.
Demonstrator Apprehensions
An protester who attended Saturday's demonstrations said she was worried about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised political figures who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".
"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all risky," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for fear for her safety.
Young Generation Outlook
A member of the youth movement, a leaderless collective of youth that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he commented.
