Troops from elite Capsat squadron participate in protests against the nation's head of state
Numerous demonstrators in opposition to Madagascar's leader were supported on the streets of the capital on the afternoon of Saturday by troops from an premier army squadron, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at demonstrators.
Proceeding With Armored Cars
Protesters proceeded alongside troops from the Capsat squadron, who piloted military transports, some waving Madagascar flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.
Speaking to the Gathering
A Capsat officer, Lylison Renรฉ de Rolland, then spoke to the enthusiastic crowds in front of the town hall in 13 May Square, which demonstrators had earlier been blocked from accessing. Capsat military personnel installed the present leader, Andry Rajoelina, to authority in a coup in 2009.
Escalating Strain on the President
The military's involvement escalated pressure on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on resign. The youth-led protests broke out on 25 September, originally over water and electricity cuts. However, they quickly widened into appeals for a comprehensive overhaul of the government system, with the younger generation demonstrators not placated by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.
Security Forces Measures
That morning, police used disorientation devices and teargas to try to disperse the protesters. The newly named military affairs minister also called on troops to "remain calm", at a press conference on Saturday.
"We call on our brothers who oppose us to emphasize communication," minister general Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo said. "Our nation's military is still a mediator and represents the state's ultimate protection."
Army Resistance
However, a Capsat officer supported by a large group of soldiers urged other troop formations to "reject directives to fire upon your allies", in a recording that was posted on digital networks before they departed from their headquarters.
"We must combine efforts, troops, gendarmes and police, and decline compensation to shoot our comrades, our comrades and our sisters," he declared, also urging soldiers at the aviation hub to "block all aircraft from leaving".
"Shut the access points and wait for our instructions," he said. "Disregard orders from your superiors. Direct your arms at those who command you to attack your fellow soldiers, because they will not look after our loved ones if we die."
Leader's Inactivity
Nothing has been posted on the leader's social media accounts since the evening of Friday, when he was photographed conferring with the leaders of 10 of the nation's colleges to discuss enhancing educational conditions.
Protester Apprehensions
An activist who participated in Saturday's demonstrations stated she was concerned about the involvement of Capsat, due to their part in the 2009 seizure of power that installed Rajoelina to power. She also denounced politicians who made brief statements to the crowds in front of the city hall as "those seeking advantage".
"For this purpose I'm not feeling joyful at all, because all of those figures involved in this 'development' are all risky," said the protester, who declined to give her name for fear for her well-being.
Gen Z Outlook
A participant of Gen Z Madagascar, a decentralized group of youth that has supported the arrangement of the demonstrations, also voiced concerns about what would occur subsequently. "We are very happy, but many developments are occurring [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy individual to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the right to elect who to place in power," he stated.
