🔗 Share this article

A multitude of activists in opposition to Madagascar's leader were joined on the streets of the main city on Saturday afternoon by soldiers from an elite army division, who previously that day said they would not fire on protesters.

Advancing Alongside Armored Cars

Protesters marched with troops from the Capsat squadron, who operated heavy vehicles, some displaying the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Masses

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat military personnel installed the incumbent head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.

Escalating Tension on the President

The soldiers' intervention escalated tension on Rajoelina, who activists have been calling for resign. The young people-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a total restructuring of the political system, with the youth activists not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Law Enforcement Response

Previously that day, security forces used disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to break up the demonstrators. The newly named defense minister also called on troops to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who disagree with us to emphasize dialogue," general minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the country's final safeguard."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat commander joined by a large group of troops urged other military units to "refuse orders to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they departed from their barracks.

"We should unite, army, security forces and law enforcement, and decline compensation to attack our allies, our colleagues and our fellow citizens," he stated, also appealing to military personnel at the aviation hub to "block all aircraft from departing".

"Secure the entrances and wait for our instructions," he stated. "Do not obey commands from your superiors. Aim your firearms at those who instruct you to fire on your military brothers, because they will not look after our families if we perish."

President's Inactivity

Nothing has been shared on the president's digital platforms since the evening of Friday, when he was pictured meeting the directors of 10 of the country's universities to talk about bettering educational conditions.

Demonstrator Worries

An demonstrator who attended that day's rallies stated she was worried about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 takeover that brought Rajoelina to power. She also denounced government officials who made short addresses to the masses in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'development' are all risky," stated the activist, who declined to give her name for apprehension for her security.

Young Generation Perspective

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group of youth that has supported the arrangement of the rallies, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we do not desire another corrupted person to gain authority here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he stated.