🔗 Share this article

Numerous demonstrators opposing Madagascar's leader were accompanied on the streets of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an premier army division, who that morning declared they would not open fire on protesters.

Marching Alongside Armored Cars

Protesters walked with military personnel from the Capsat division, who drove armored cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern part of Antananarivo.

Addressing the Gathering

A Capsat leader, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the cheering crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Raising Tension on the President

The troops' involvement ratcheted up tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The youth-led demonstrations commenced on 25 September, at first over service disruptions. However, they rapidly broadened into calls for a comprehensive restructuring of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not placated by Rajoelina removing his government last week.

Security Forces Actions

Previously that day, police used disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the protesters. The recently appointed defense minister also appealed to soldiers to "stay composed", at a press conference on Saturday.

"We urge our comrades who oppose us to prioritise discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "Our nation's military continues to be a peacemaker and represents the nation's ultimate protection."

Army Resistance

However, a Capsat leader accompanied by a significant number of soldiers urged other troop formations to "refuse orders to fire upon your allies", in a footage that was published on digital networks before they left their base.

"We should unite, military, paramilitary and officers, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our brothers and our fellow citizens," he said, also urging military personnel at the aviation hub to "stop all flights from departing".

"Close the entrances and wait for our orders," he stated. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Point your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your fellow soldiers, because they will not take care of our families if we die."

Head of State's Inactivity

No updates has been published on the president's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was seen discussing with the heads of 10 of the nation's universities to discuss enhancing educational conditions.

Demonstrator Concerns

An protester who attended the Saturday demonstrations stated she was apprehensive about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised political figures who made short speeches to the gathering in front of the city hall as "opportunists".

"That's why I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'situation' are all dangerous," commented the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Youth Viewpoint

A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of youth that has supported the arrangement of the protests, also raised questions about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another dishonest person to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.