[2] It still regularly interfered with Kongolese affairs and invaded several times to depose kings who were not pro-Soyo.
[4] After his ascension, Rafael was driven from his capital São Salvador by Soyo, who were receiving Dutch aid, and were slowly becoming as powerful as Kongo.
Rafael travelled to Luanda and sought Portuguese aid, who were rivals of the Dutch at the time, to help subdue Soyo.
In return he promised Portugal money, mineral concessions and the right to build a fortress in Soyo to keep out the Dutch.
[5] The Battle of Kitombo was a humiliating defeat for Angola[6] and they were forced to recognise Soyo's independence and the Pope acquired a papal nuncio from the King of Portugal stating that the crown would make no more attempts on its sovereignty.