Troops from specialized Capsat unit participate in demonstrations against Madagascar's head of state

A multitude of activists in opposition to Madagascar's president were joined on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Alongside Military Transports

Demonstrators walked alongside military personnel from the Capsat unit, who piloted heavy transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the south of Antananarivo.

Speaking to the Gathering

A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then spoke to the supportive crowds in front of the city hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat troops propelled the current leader, Andry Rajoelina, to power in a coup in 2009.

Raising Pressure on the Leader

The troops' participation ratcheted up pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding stand down. The youth-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, originally over service disruptions. However, they rapidly expanded into demands for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina removing his cabinet last week.

Police Response

That morning, law enforcement used stun grenades and riot control agents to try to break up the demonstrators. The recently appointed defense minister also urged soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to focus on communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a intermediary and constitutes the state's last line of defence."

Army Defiance

However, a Capsat commander joined by a sizable contingent of military personnel called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to fire upon your comrades", in a video that was posted on online platforms before they exited their base.

"We must combine efforts, troops, paramilitary and officers, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he declared, also urging military personnel at the airport to "prevent all planes from departing".

"Close the gates and wait for our directions," he declared. "Do not obey orders from your officers. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to fire on your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our relatives if we perish."

Head of State's Lack of Response

No information has been posted on the president's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was seen meeting the heads of 10 of the nation's colleges to discuss improving students' lives.

Activist Concerns

An protester who joined that day's protests expressed she was worried about the involvement of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that installed Rajoelina to authority. She also criticised government officials who made short addresses to the gathering in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those people involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the demonstrator, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.

Youth Viewpoint

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of young people that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another dishonest person to gain authority here, so we will take all measures to have the opportunity to choose who to put up there," he said.