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Thousands of protesters against the nation's leader were joined on the roads of the capital city on Saturday by military personnel from an elite army squadron, who previously that day said they would not shoot at activists.

Advancing Alongside Heavy Cars

Activists walked with troops from the Capsat unit, who operated military transports, some displaying national flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the cheering gathering in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which activists had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat troops propelled the current head of state, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a takeover in 2009.

Increasing Pressure on the President

The soldiers' involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The student-led protests broke out on 25 September, at first over utility shortages. However, they quickly widened into demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the political system, with the youth demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Security Forces Response

Earlier in the day, security forces deployed stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the protesters. The newly named minister of the armed forces also called on soldiers to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our colleagues who oppose us to emphasize dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army continues to be a intermediary and constitutes the country's ultimate protection."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat leader joined by a significant number of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your friends", in a recording that was posted on social media before they exited their base.

"We should unite, army, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also calling on troops at the aviation hub to "block all aircraft from taking off".

"Secure the entrances and wait for our instructions," he said. "Disregard commands from your superiors. Direct your arms at those who order you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our relatives if we are killed."

Leader's Inactivity

No updates has been shared on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's universities to discuss improving students' lives.

Activist Worries

An protester who participated in the Saturday rallies said she was apprehensive about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to authority. She also denounced government officials who made short speeches to the masses in front of the city hall as "self-serving individuals".

"This is the reason I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those people gravitating around this 'event' are all risky," said the demonstrator, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Youth Outlook

A member of the young activists, a leaderless organization of young people that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also voiced concerns about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to elect who to install in leadership," he commented.