The beer giant Heineken has lost control of various breweries. Rebels in Congo would have conquered the facilities in the east of the country. A bitter civil war is currently raging in the region.
“The requirements for a responsible and safe operation are no longer available, and since 12 June 2025 we have lost control of the company,” said Heineken.
The drink giant had already stated in March that beer production in the east of the country exposed until the situation calmed. Previously, some breweries were looted between the army and rebels during the fighting.
The situation would have deteriorated and rebels would have taken control of facilities in Bukavu and Goma and in the surrounding areas. These are the largest cities in the region.
Heineken’s Congolese subsidiary Bralima continues to work in other parts of the country that, according to the manufacturer, are not affected by the conflict.
Escalation since the beginning of the year
Heineken comprises four breweries in Congo, which, in addition to Heineken Beer, also produce other brands such as Primus and Amstel. The facilities in Bukavu employed around 1,000 people. “We have deducted all remaining employees from these locations and continue to support them financially,” said Heineken.
The M23 rebel group supported by Rwanda has murdered the East Congo since January. Thousands of people were killed on the rise and hundreds of thousands were forced to escape.
Human rights organizations have reported serious crimes in the Ostkongo. Amnesty International reported in March on attacks at hospitals in Goma. Rebels had searched for wounded Congolese soldiers and deported 130 people.
Hope for ceases -furen
The roots of the conflict are in the genocide in the neighboring Land Rwanda from 1994 and in the fight for the mineral resources in Congo. Rwanda rejects the basis of the United Nations to support the M23. Instead, the Rwandan government emphasizes that its troops would arise from self -defense against the Congolese army and its allied militias. A peace treaty must be signed in the US on 27 June.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
