Police were forced to separate two groups of protesters in Piccadilly Gardens following safety concerns.
A planned peaceful protest was organised to take place in Manchester city centre on Saturday, July 18.
The protesters are understood to be Oromo people, raising awareness of current unrest in the Oromia Ethiopian region.
However, another group of people began a counter protest.
Officers could be seen separating the two groups.
Large numbers of police officers and vehicles could be seen in Manchester city centre during the protests.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said there will be an increased police presence in the city centre.
No arrests have been made, but officers will be reviewing CCTV footage to establish if any offences have taken place.
The spokeswoman said: "GMP were aware of planned protests taking place in Piccadilly Gardens earlier today (Saturday 18 July 2020) and had dedicated officers in attendance to facilitate everyone’s right to peaceful protest.
"A group of people began counter protests and officers separated the groups for everyone’s safety.
"There is an increased police presence in the city centre and CCTV will be reviewed as part of an investigation to establish if any offences have taken place throughout the course of the protests.
"No arrests have currently been made."
