Armed Rebels Seize Heineken Facilities in Eastern DR Congo

Heineken has confirmed that it has lost control of its facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where escalating conflict has forced the Dutch brewing giant to suspend operations and evacuate staff.

In a statement released Friday, Heineken said armed groups had taken over its depots and production sites in the cities of Goma and Bukavu—two major urban centers now under the control of rebels. The company described the situation as too dangerous to maintain safe or responsible operations.

“As of June 12, 2025, the conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present, and we have lost operational control,” the company said.

Heineken had already suspended activities in the eastern region in March due to increasing violence, but the security situation has since deteriorated significantly. Its local subsidiary, Bralima, produces several popular beverages, including Heineken and Primus beers.

The facilities in Bukavu alone employed approximately 1,000 people both directly and indirectly. Heineken says it has withdrawn all remaining staff from affected areas and continues to offer them financial support.

“Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our employees,” the company reiterated in the statement.

Despite the loss of access in the east, Bralima continues to operate in parts of the country unaffected by the conflict. The company said it is closely monitoring the situation and will adapt as necessary.

Eastern DR Congo has been plagued by renewed violence, particularly from the M23 rebel group, whose recent advances have prompted fears of a broader regional conflict. The Congolese government accuses neighboring Rwanda of backing the rebels—a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied.

Amid rising tensions, there is some hope for a diplomatic resolution. On Wednesday, officials from DR Congo, Rwanda, and the United States announced that a draft peace agreement had been initialed, with a formal signing expected in the coming week.

Congo, home to over 100 million people, represents a significant market for Heineken, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, which together account for nearly 14% of the company’s global revenue. The now-inaccessible facilities in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira previously contributed to around one-third of Heineken’s operations in the country.