๐ Share this article Soldiers from elite Capsat unit participate in protests against the nation's head of state A multitude of protesters against the nation's leader were accompanied on the streets of the main city on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army unit, who previously that day said they would not shoot at protesters. Marching Alongside Military Vehicles Protesters proceeded with soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who piloted heavy vehicles, some waving the country's banners, from their headquarters in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo. Addressing the Crowds A Capsat leader, Lylison Renรฉ de Rolland, then appealed to the supportive gathering in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which protesters had before been prevented from reaching. Capsat troops propelled the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009. Increasing Tension on the Head of State The troops' intervention escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who protesters have been insisting on resign. The youth-led protests commenced on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they rapidly expanded into appeals for a complete restructuring of the political system, with the younger generation activists not satisfied by Rajoelina dismissing his government last week. Law Enforcement Response That morning, law enforcement deployed flashbangs and riot control agents to try to disperse the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also urged troops to "keep peaceful", at a press conference on Saturday. "We urge our comrades who oppose us to focus on dialogue," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military continues to be a intermediary and represents the state's last line of defence." Troop Resistance However, a Capsat leader supported by a sizable contingent of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to attack your allies", in a footage that was published on online platforms before they departed from their barracks. "We must combine efforts, military, security forces and law enforcement, and refuse to be paid to fire upon our friends, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also urging soldiers at the aviation hub to "prevent all planes from departing". "Secure the entrances and expect our orders," he said. "Disregard directives from your officers. Direct your arms at those who command you to attack your military brothers, because they will not take care of our relatives if we are killed." Head of State's Inactivity Nothing has been posted on the leader's online profiles since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the state's colleges to talk about enhancing students' lives. Activist Worries An demonstrator who participated in Saturday's demonstrations said she was concerned about the role of Capsat, due to their role in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the town hall as "self-serving individuals". "That's why I'm not rejoicing at all, because all of those individuals circling this 'situation' are all concerning," stated the demonstrator, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being. Young Generation Viewpoint A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless organization of students that has assisted in organizing the protests, also raised questions about what would transpire in the future. "We feel pleased, but many developments are occurring [and] we don't want another untrustworthy figure to assume control here, so we will take all measures to have the privilege to select who to install in leadership," he said.