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© The Associated Press/Simon MainaCongolese riot-policeman stand guard on the streets of Goma. Tensions from the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo spilled across the Atlantic on Tuesday when pro-democracy protests in two Canadian cities turned violent.
Tensions from the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo spilled across the Atlantic on Tuesday when pro-democracy protests in two Canadian cities turned violent.

In the capital Ottawa, police formed a line around the DRC embassy and used pepper spray to prevent dozens of protesters from storming the building.

Meanwhile in downtown Toronto, Canada's largest city, a group of about 150 protesters swarmed a police car and threw dirt at officers, prompting police to respond in force, sending 30 cars and cordoning off roads around the demo.

Electoral authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday postponed declaring the winner of the polls, as protests exploded worldwide. Early results showed President Joseph Kabila heading for re-election.

The conflict-prone country has been holding its breath since the vote, which was marred by chaos and rioting at polling stations and deadly rebel attacks in the southeastern city of Lubumbashi.

In Toronto, police spokeswoman Constable Wendy Drummond told AFP the protest "had started off peacefully" in the morning on the lawn of the Ontario legislature.

But "something changed in the crowd" when demonstrators marched toward the US consulate,' she said.

"Dirt was thrown at police officers and one of our police cars was surrounded," Drummond said. "This prompted a request for assistance from other officers."

Protesters said a scuffle erupted when one of the demonstrators attempted to approach the door of the US consulate in Toronto to deliver an open letter but was stopped by police. That man was later arrested.

The letter addressed to the heads of G20 governments, including Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama, asked them "to support peace in Congo and to accompany the will by the Congolese people in the choice of its elected officials."

It also accuses Canadian mining companies of fueling violence against locals near their work sites in DR Congo.

"He wanted to post it or put it on the door, so they can get it and maybe forward the message to Obama. But the police officer refused," said protester Agnes Tshibola, 46.

Drummond said two people have been arrested and charges were pending, while the demonstration uprooted and headed back to Queen's Park.

Protesters in both Toronto and Ottawa carried signs calling for a "Free Congo" and for the will of Congolese voters to be respected.

Others held signs supporting veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi and his political party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress.