🔗 Share this article Troops from elite Capsat unit participate in demonstrations against Madagascar's leader A multitude of demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's head of state were joined on the avenues of the capital on Saturday by military personnel from an elite army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at activists. Advancing Alongside Military Vehicles Protesters walked together with soldiers from the Capsat division, who operated military cars, some waving Madagascar flags, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo. Speaking to the Gathering A Capsat officer, Lylison René de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had before been blocked from accessing. Capsat troops brought the incumbent leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009. Escalating Strain on the Head of State The military's participation ratcheted up strain on Rajoelina, who protesters have been calling for resign. The youth-led protests erupted on 25 September, at first over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly broadened into calls for a total overhaul of the governance structure, with the youth protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina removing his administration last week. Police Measures That morning, law enforcement fired disorientation devices and riot control agents to try to disperse the demonstrators. The newly named military affairs minister also urged military personnel to "keep peaceful", at a news conference on Saturday. "We appeal to our comrades who are against us to emphasize discussion," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo declared. "The Malagasy army continues to be a mediator and forms the nation's ultimate protection." Troop Defiance However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a sizable contingent of troops urged other army divisions to "reject directives to attack your allies", in a footage that was posted on social media before they left their base. "We should unite, troops, security forces and officers, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our comrades, our comrades and our fellow citizens," he stated, also urging troops at the airfield to "block all aircraft from taking off". "Shut the access points and await our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Aim your weapons at those who order you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our loved ones if we perish." President's Lack of Response No information has been shared on the president's online profiles since Friday evening, when he was pictured discussing with the directors of 10 of the country's colleges to discuss enhancing educational conditions. Protester Worries An activist who joined Saturday's demonstrations said she was apprehensive about the participation of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 takeover that installed Rajoelina to power. She also criticised government officials who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "opportunists". "This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures gravitating around this 'development' are all dangerous," said the protester, who didn't want to be named for apprehension for her well-being. Young Generation Perspective A member of the youth movement, a decentralized group of students that has helped to coordinate the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We feel pleased, but a lot is happening [and] we wish to avoid another corrupted individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the right to choose who to install in leadership," he stated.