Dutch brewing giant Heineken has confirmed it has lost operational control of its facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where intensifying conflict has forced the company to withdraw staff and suspend business activities.
Operations Suspended, Staff Withdrawn for Safety
In a statement released Friday, Heineken said armed personnel have taken over its sites in Bukavu and Goma—two of eastern Congo’s largest cities, both now under rebel control—as well as nearby areas. The escalating insecurity has made it impossible for the company to continue operating in the region.
“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” the company said.
Francine Nsegiyumva cooks for kids near the room where they are taking refuge, following the intensification of fighting between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, North Kivu province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 2, 2025. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi
The affected facilities are operated by Bralima, Heineken’s subsidiary in Congo. Operations in the eastern cities of Bukavu, Goma, and Uvira had accounted for nearly a third of Heineken’s business in the country. The Bukavu site alone had employed around 1,000 people directly and indirectly.
The company had initially suspended operations in the region back in March after breweries were damaged and depots looted during fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group. However, the security situation has deteriorated further since then.
FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group mount their vehicles after the opening ceremony of Caisse Generale d’epargne du Congo in Goma, North Kivu province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Heineken said. “We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially.”
Despite the crisis, Bralima continues to operate in parts of Congo not affected by the conflict. The company said it is closely monitoring the situation and will assess possibilities for future operations as developments unfold.
Congo, with a population exceeding 100 million, is a significant market in Heineken’s Middle East and Africa portfolio, which generates nearly 14% of the company’s global revenue. Heineken owns four breweries in the country and produces not only its flagship brand but also local favorites like Primus and Amstel.
Conflict Escalation and Regional Tensions
Fighting in eastern Congo has surged this year, with M23 rebels making rapid advances that have raised fears of a broader conflict. The Congolese government accuses neighboring Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons—claims Rwanda has consistently denied.
FILE PHOTO: Burundian volunteers prepare food for Congolese families at Rugombo Stadium, after Congolese fled from renewed clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Rugombo commune of Cibitoke Province, Burundi February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana/File Photo
In a potential diplomatic breakthrough, Congo, Rwanda, and the United States announced Wednesday that their technical teams had initialed a draft peace agreement, which is expected to be formally signed next week.
