M23 Rebels Seize Heineken Facilities in Eastern Congo Amid Escalating Conflict

The Dutch brewer Heineken has confirmed that M23 rebels had raided and taken control over its facilities in Bukavu and Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The raid comes after attacks between the army and the rebels on Friday, 20 June.

The brewer says it has withdrawn its staff members, and it will carry on supporting them financially. The company had been faced with a similar issue; in March 2025, Heiken suspended operations after being hit and raided amid clashes between the army and rebels.

Although the brewer lost its facilities in Bakavu and Goma, they still operate in Bralima and other parts of the country that are not affected by the conflict. The company operates four breweries in Congo, producing Heineken and other local brands like Primus. Previously, the Bukavu facilities were reported to have employed approximately 1,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

The conflict in the eastern DRC intensifies this year, as the M23 rebel group launched a swift offensive, sparking concerns of a broader conflict. As such, DRC had accessed Rwanda for supporting M23 rebels.

In a statement by the two countries and the United States Department of State on Thursday, 19 June, it was confirmed that Rwanda and DRC had signed an agreement that intends to end the conflict between the two countries.

According to the statement, this agreement followed three days of productive discussions on political, security, and economic issues.

The draft agreement addresses several key issues, including disarmament, integrating armed groups, and facilitating the return of refugees and displaced persons. This agreement is expected to be officially signed on June 27 by DRC and Rwandan ministers in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

For decades, conflict has plagued eastern DRC, with armed groups vying for control of natural resources. The fighting intensified in January when the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured Goma, the region’s largest city and a hub for mineral wealth. Shortly after, the group took control of the strategic town of Bukavu, despite Rwanda’s denial of supporting the rebels.