When the Dutch forces occupied Luanda in 1641, capital of the Portuguese colony of Angola, the neighboring countries of Kongo and Ndongo had welcomed them, sending embassies and receiving promises of assistance in driving Portuguese out of the colony and central Africa. However, following the initial Dutch success, the Portuguese had fallen back into their interior positions, first at Bengo, where they were driven out, and then to the fortress of Massangano. In 1643, deciding it was not worthwhile to continue the war with Portugal, the Dutch signed a truce agreement which effectively left Portugal in command of the interior presidios. However, the kingdom of Ndongo, longtime enemy of Portuguese ambitions, then led by Queen Njinga fought on against the Portuguese without Dutch help. Followi