Reuters
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Heineken lost its operational control and withdraws staff from facilities in conflict-affected areas in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Brewer, the Netherlands, said Friday.
Beverages Giant said in March that operations in the three eastern cities remained suspended until it is safe to resume after several of the breweries were attacked and attacked during a battle between the military and rebels.
However, on Friday, the beer maker said the situation was getting worse and armed staff were in control of the Bukabu and Goma facilities.
“The conditions necessary for responsibly and safely operate no longer exist. As of June 12, 2025, we lost our operational management,” the statement said.
Heineken’s Congolese unit, Bralima, is still active in other parts of the country that are not affected by the conflict, the company said, adding that it will continue to assess the evolving situation.
The group owns four breweries in Congo and produces other popular brands such as Heineken Beer and Primus. The Bukab facility employed around 1,000 people, directly and indirectly.
“Our top priority is employee safety and welfare,” the statement said on Friday. “We have withdrawn all the remaining staff from these sites and continue to support them financially.”
Almost 14% of Heineken’s total revenue comes from businesses in the Middle East and Africa, where more than 100 million people are a large market.
Businesses in the cities of Goma, Bukabu and Uvila previously accounted for about a third of Heineken’s business in Congo.
The fight in East Congo escalated this year as the M23 Rebel Group made rapid progress that sparked fears of wider conflict.
The Congo says Rwanda is supporting the M23 by sending troops and weapons. Rwanda has long denied support from the M23.
Both countries and the US said Wednesday that they had early draft peace agreements that their technical teams are expected to be signed next week.
