Overview

• Soldiers from the CAPSAT unit urged security forces to refuse orders to shoot and later escorted thousands of demonstrators into May 13 Square.
• CAPSAT officers declared that all army orders would issue from their headquarters, though the breadth of military support for the claim remained unclear.
• The presidency said Andry Rajoelina is still in the country and managing affairs, while the new prime minister and defence minister appealed for calm and dialogue.
• The United Nations reports at least 22 dead and more than 100 injured since the protests began on September 25; Rajoelina disputes the toll, saying 12 were killed.
• Gendarmerie officers acknowledged faults and excesses in a video and called for fraternity with the army, as local outlets reported fresh casualties during Saturday’s clashes and CAPSAT alleged one of its soldiers was shot dead.