Bernardo I of Kongo (died 1567) was a 16th-century manikongo (ruler) of the Kingdom of Kongo, a region encompassing areas in 21st-century Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He came to power after murdering his half-brother Afonso II who was less well-disposed toward the Portuguese.
The rule of Bernardo I extended from 1561 to 1567.Thornton, John (2006): "Elite Women in the Kingdom of Kongo: Historical Perspectives on Women's Political Power", page 447. The Journal of African History, Vol. 47. Jan Vansina wrote that he was killed while fighting the Tio Kingdom, although Roland Oliver wrote that he was killed fighting the Yaka on Kongo's eastern frontier.Oliver, Roland and Atmore, Anthony (2001): Medieval Africa, 1250-1800, page 173. Cambridge University Press. The Yaka, who were referred to as Jagas by the Essikongo and the Portuguese, would invade and nearly conquer Kongo in 1568.
See also List of Rulers of Kongo Kingdom of Kongo
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