Álvaro V of Kongo

Who is Álvaro V of Kongo?

Álvaro V of Kongo was a ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo for a short period in the year 1636.

The king was part of the Kimpanzu kanda. He was a cousin to the founding monarchs of the Kinlaza kanda that would rule the kingdom until the Kongo Civil War. King Alvaro V took power after the poisoning of the young king Alvaro IV. King Alvaro V was jealous of the growing power and status of the future Alvaro VI and his brother. He raised an army against them and was defeated. The brothers spared him and allowed him to continue on as king. Six months later, the king made a second attempt, at which he was slain and the throne passed to King Alvaro VI of the Kinlaza.