By Ayomide otitoju
Dutch brewer Heineken has announced a complete withdrawal of staff and loss of operational control in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following increased rebel activity.
The company, which owns four breweries through its Congo subsidiary Bralima, confirmed on Friday that its Bukavu and Goma facilities are no longer under company control. “The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present,” Heineken said. “As of June 12, 2025, we have lost operational control.”
The company had already suspended operations in three eastern cities in March after its facilities were damaged during clashes between Congolese troops and the M23 rebel group. The situation has since deteriorated, with armed groups now reportedly occupying brewery premises.
Despite the setbacks, Bralima continues to operate in more stable regions of the DRC, and Heineken affirmed it would maintain financial support for displaced workers.
The DRC remains one of Heineken’s most significant African markets, with the conflict zones previously accounting for a third of its local operations. The Middle East and Africa make up 14% of the company’s global revenue.
