Soldiers joined thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Madagascar on Saturday, calling on security forces to "refuse orders to shoot" and condemning police action to quell over two weeks of protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island.

The youth-led demonstration in the capital, Antananarivo, was one of the biggest since the protest movement erupted on September 25, sparked by anger over power and water shortages and led President Andry Rajoelina to sack his government.

Police used stun grenades and tear gas to try to disperse the large crowds but left as soldiers from the CAPSAT contingent of administrative and technical officers rode into the city on army vehicles to join the demonstrators.

They were welcomed with cheers from protesters who called out "Thank you!" to the u

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