Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, answering a call from civil society groups. The demonstration was sparked by the recent appointment of General Olivier Gasita Mukunda as deputy commander of the 33rd military region.

Citizens accuse him of collaborating with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels during the takeover of Bukavu last February and are demanding his removal.

Carrying banners and national flags, demonstrators chanted anti-Gasita slogans and later submitted a memorandum to local authorities addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi. Civil society leaders warned that Gasita’s appointment could signal an intention by authorities to hand the city over to rebels.

The march was largely peaceful, though it ended in panic when warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd.

According to civil society reports, at least four people were killed and several others injured, though this has not been confirmed by local officials. The Congolese army has urged calm, dismissed claims of manipulation, and reiterated its support for the embattled officer.