The conflict involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has shuttered the Heineken-owned Bralima brewery in Bukavu, severely affecting local economies. As businesses struggle with high costs and unemployment rises, local residents report a paralysed economy and potential health risks due to water purification chemical shortages. Bar owner Adolphe Amani expresses a commitment to supporting local products despite pressures to source beer from Rwanda and Burundi.
The ongoing conflict involving Rwandan-backed rebels in eastern Congo has led to significant economic disruptions, including the shutdown of the Heineken-owned Bralima brewery in Bukavu. Local bar owner Adolphe Amani reported that rising costs and dwindling supplies would force him to close his bar, saying, “We can’t hold out any longer” due to unpaid rent and utilities. As the M23 rebels gain control, locals face soaring prices for basic commodities, and farmers are unable to access their fields, leading to widespread economic paralysis.
The situation has not only affected local businesses but also resulted in widespread unemployment and a halt to banking services. Following insurgent activity, looting and vandalism also degraded the brewery’s infrastructure. Heineken has confirmed that damage assessments will take time and that operations in affected cities will not resume until safe conditions return. Meanwhile, Amani has laid off over 30 bar and hotel employees due to the operational suspension.
The impact on Bralima extends to the local water utility, REGIDESO, which relies on Bralima for 40% of its revenue. The interruption in revenue has raised concerns about a potential shortage of chemicals for water purification, posing a health risk to the community. As the conflict persists, Amani notes some competitors are sourcing beer from Rwanda or Burundi, but he remains committed to waiting for Bralima to reopen, stating, “I cannot consume products that come from Rwanda. They are our enemy.”
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has led to the shutdown of the Heineken brewery, severely impacting local businesses and the economy. With skyrocketing prices and reduced access to essential goods, individuals like Adolphe Amani are struggling to manage their operations. The repercussions extend to public health services, highlighting the broader implications of this unrest. A resolution to the conflict is critical for the economic recovery of affected areas.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
