Manikongos

Question 1

Kinship and succession

Answer 1

• When a manikongo dies, the eldest 13 members of the Mwissikongo, gathered the electoral council to prepare the kings succession
• The kings death was then announced across the kingdom provinces for these to prepare their candidates
• The kings death was then announced across the kingdom provinces for these to prepare their candidates
• Months and years could pass between the death of the king and instillation or a new one
• The council of the Mwissikongo led the kingdom until the electron of the new king
• Although the position of the Manikongo was not hereditary, it was not unusual for the son or brother of a previous Manikongo to be elected
• Due to the nature of succession it was not uncommon for there to be disputes or even battles over succession
• The Manikongo was elected by only the electoral council (4 particular members of the Mwissingo; including a Portugese representative after the Jaga invasions) By the raising of hands
• Once the amanijongo was elected, the eldest of the councillors presented the new Manikongo infront of citizens of Mbanza Kongo