The Congolese National Police (PNC) were on Wednesday entangled in running battles with protesters in Goma city demanding for the immediate withdrawal of the EAC regional force.
The Police and Goma city authority had a day earlier banned the demonstration.
Demonstraors are accusing the EAC troops of just looking on or just mere “spectators” on the front line against the M23 rebels.
The demonstration was suppressed as protesters made their way to the town hall. They were prevented, by the police, from giving their memo to the military governor to transmit it to whom it may concern.
Police used tear gas bombs to disperse these demonstrators determined to use their constitutional right.
According to some local media reports, some journalists were hit by shrapnel from tear gas canisters. So far no arrests have been reported.
This demonstration was mobilised by the civil society which recently threatened the government and the EAC to demand popular uprisings against this force.
