Troops from elite Capsat division align with protests against Madagascar's president
Numerous demonstrators against the nation's head of state were supported on the roads of the main city on Saturday afternoon by troops from an elite army unit, who that morning stated they would not shoot at activists.
Advancing Alongside Military Cars
Protesters proceeded alongside military personnel from the Capsat squadron, who piloted armored transports, some brandishing the country's banners, from their barracks in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.
Appealing to the Gathering
A Capsat leader, Lylison Renรฉ de Rolland, then appealed to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which activists had previously been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a takeover in 2009.
Raising Tension on the Leader
The military's participation increased tension on Rajoelina, who protesters have been demanding step aside. The student-led demonstrations erupted on 25 September, initially over utility shortages. However, they swiftly expanded into demands for a comprehensive restructuring of the governance structure, with the younger generation demonstrators not appeased by Rajoelina dismissing his cabinet last week.
Police Actions
Previously that day, law enforcement fired flashbangs and teargas to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday.
"We urge our brothers who disagree with us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "The Malagasy army is still a intermediary and forms the state's last line of defence."
Army Defiance
However, a Capsat commander accompanied by a large group of military personnel called on other army divisions to "refuse orders to attack your comrades", in a footage that was published on social media before they departed from their barracks.
"We should unite, army, paramilitary and police, and decline compensation to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he stated, also appealing to soldiers at the aviation hub to "prevent all aircraft from departing".
"Shut the entrances and expect our instructions," he declared. "Ignore directives from your superiors. Direct your firearms at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not support our families if we perish."
Head of State's Silence
Nothing has been published on the head of state's online profiles since Friday night, when he was pictured conferring with the directors of 10 of the nation's colleges to talk about bettering educational conditions.
Activist Worries
An protester who attended Saturday's rallies expressed she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to power. She also criticised political figures who made quick statements to the gathering in front of the municipal building as "opportunists".
"This is the reason I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those figures circling this 'event' are all concerning," stated the protester, who didn't want to be named for fear for her well-being.
Gen Z Outlook
A member of Gen Z Madagascar, a non-hierarchical organization of youth that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also expressed doubts about what would transpire in the future. "We are delighted, but a lot is happening [and] we don't want another dishonest person to assume control here, so we will employ all means to have the right to select who to place in power," he stated.
