Heineken Cedes Operational Control: On Friday, Heineken announced that it has surrendered operational control and withdrawn its staff from facilities situated in the conflict-stricken regions of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Previously, the Dutch brewing company had declared in March its decision to suspend operations in three eastern cities until conditions were assessed as safe for resumption. This choice came after incidents involving damage to breweries and looting of depots amid clashes between military and rebel forces.
However, the company reported on Friday that the situation has deteriorated significantly, with armed groups now taking control of its facilities in Bukavu and Goma, the two largest cities in eastern Congo, as well as in neighboring regions.
In its statement, Heineken remarked, “The necessary conditions for operating responsibly and safely are no longer viable, and as of June 12, 2025, we have lost operational control.”
Despite these difficulties, Heineken’s subsidiary in Congo, Bralima, remains operational in other regions that are not affected by the conflict, and the company indicated it would continue to monitor the evolving situation.
Heineken runs four breweries in Congo, producing its signature Heineken beer along with other popular brands like Primus and Amstel. The facility in Bukavu alone had previously employed approximately 1,000 people, both directly and indirectly.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our employees,” the statement highlighted on Friday. “We have evacuated all remaining staff from these locations and are continuing to provide them with financial support.”
About 14% of Heineken’s total revenue comes from its operations in the Middle East and Africa, with Congo, home to over 100 million people, representing a crucial market.
The company’s activities in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira had previously accounted for nearly one-third of its business in the region.
This year, the conflict in eastern Congo has escalated, particularly due to the rapid advances of the M23 rebel group, raising fears of a wider conflict.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 insurgents by providing troops and weaponry, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
On Wednesday, representatives from Congo, Rwanda, and the United States announced that their technical teams had initialed a draft peace agreement, which is expected to be signed next week.
