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Thousands of activists opposing the nation's head of state were supported on the roads of the capital city on Saturday by troops from an elite army unit, who earlier in the day said they would not open fire on activists.

Advancing Together with Armored Cars

Demonstrators proceeded together with troops from the Capsat unit, who drove armored vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering 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 president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a seizure of power in 2009.

Escalating Pressure on the President

The troops' involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for step aside. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into demands for a total overhaul of the governance structure, with the younger generation activists not placated by Rajoelina removing his administration last week.

Police Actions

That morning, law enforcement used stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to scatter the activists. The newly named minister of the armed forces also called on military personnel to "stay composed", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We urge our brothers who are against us to prioritise dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and constitutes the state's last line of defence."

Troop Opposition

However, a Capsat leader supported by a significant number of soldiers urged other army divisions to "reject directives to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they left their headquarters.

"We should unite, army, gendarmes and officers, and reject payment to shoot our allies, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all planes from departing".

"Secure the access points and expect our orders," he said. "Do not obey directives from your commanders. Direct your weapons at those who instruct you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not support our families if we die."

Head of State's Lack of Response

Nothing has been published on the head of state's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's higher education institutions to talk about enhancing students' lives.

Activist Worries

An activist who joined Saturday's demonstrations expressed she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also criticised political figures who made quick speeches to the masses in front of the town hall as "opportunists".

"For this purpose I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'event' are all risky," commented the protester, who didn't want to be named for concern for her well-being.

Young Generation Viewpoint

A participant of the young activists, a decentralized group of students that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are delighted, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will take all measures to have the right to elect who to place in power," he said.