๐ Share this article Military personnel from elite Capsat squadron participate in rallies against Madagascar's head of state Thousands of demonstrators against Madagascar's president were accompanied on the roads of the capital city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who that morning declared they would not open fire on activists. Marching Alongside Heavy Vehicles Protesters walked with soldiers from the Capsat division, who drove military cars, some displaying Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo. Speaking to the Masses A Capsat officer, Lylison Renรฉ de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel brought the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009. Increasing Tension on the Leader The troops' intervention escalated strain on Rajoelina, who demonstrators have been demanding step aside. The youth-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly broadened into demands for a comprehensive reform of the political system, with the youth protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his government last week. Law Enforcement Response Earlier in the day, law enforcement deployed flashbangs and teargas to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also urged military personnel to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday. "We call on our colleagues who oppose us to focus on discussion," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a mediator and constitutes the state's last line of defence." Army Opposition However, a Capsat leader joined by a sizable contingent of troops urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your allies", in a recording that was published on social media before they exited their headquarters. "We must combine efforts, army, paramilitary and law enforcement, and reject payment to fire upon our allies, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging military personnel at the airport to "stop all aircraft from leaving". "Close the access points and expect our instructions," he stated. "Disregard commands from your officers. Point your firearms at those who order you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not take care of our loved ones if we die." President's Inactivity Nothing has been posted on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the leaders of 10 of the country's colleges to talk about bettering students' lives. Activist Apprehensions An protester who attended Saturday's protests said she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to leadership. She also denounced politicians who made short addresses to the crowds in front of the town hall as "those seeking advantage". "For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for concern for her safety. Gen Z Outlook A representative of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless collective of youth that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted person to assume control here, so we will do everything to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.