Heineken announced on Friday that it has lost control of its operations and withdrawn staff from its facilities in conflict-ridden parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The beverages had previously stated in March that it was suspending operations in three eastern cities after several of its breweries were damaged and depots looted during clashes between government forces and rebel groups, according to Reuters.

However, on Friday, Heineken said the situation had further deteriorated, with armed groups taking over its facilities in Bukavu and Goma — the two main cities in eastern Congo now under rebel control — along with nearby locations.

“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” it said in a statement.

Heineken said its Congo subsidiary, Bralima, remains operational in parts of the country not impacted by the conflict and that it will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.

The company operates four breweries in the DRC, producing Heineken, Primus, Amstel, and other popular brands. Its Bukavu facilities previously employed about 1,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” its Friday statement said. “We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially.”

Heineken generates nearly 14% of its global revenue from the Middle East and Africa, with Congo—home to more than 100 million people—serving as one of its major markets.

Prior to the conflict, its operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira made up about a third of its business in the country.