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In a significant legal ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, for their involvement in terrorism and espionage. The court sentenced Lakshtanov to eight years and Ratchin to eleven years in prison for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over escalating fuel prices in Angola last year. Both men denied the charges, asserting their presence in the country was tied to cultural and business interests.
Background of the Conviction
The convictions come in the wake of severe unrest in Angola during late July 2025, when a minibus taxi strike over fuel price hikes spiralled into chaos, leading to riots and looting that resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. Witness accounts and reports have drawn attention to the Angolan security forces’ use of live ammunition against demonstrators, with the government claiming that their response was a measured and “progressive” application of force. However, Human Rights Watch has previously denounced the government’s tactics as excessive, highlighting the use of rubber bullets and tear gas to suppress a peaceful protest earlier that month.
Prosecutors allege that Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to destabilise Angola by influencing the upcoming presidential elections, potentially through financial support for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party, or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Connections to Russian Disinformation Networks
The prosecution has linked the two Russians to Africa Politology, a disinformation and propaganda outfit that evolved from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology reportedly came under the auspices of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), suggesting a sophisticated network of espionage and influence operations across the continent. The Wagner Group has been rebranded as Africa Corps and continues to operate under the Russian military’s guidance, reinforcing Moscow’s role as a key player in African geopolitics.
Broader Implications for Angola-Russia Relations
Historically, Angola has maintained close ties with Russia, particularly during the Cold War, when the MPLA received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba against US-backed factions. However, since João Lourenço assumed the presidency in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relations with the United States and Europe, reflecting a nuanced shift in its foreign policy. Amid this backdrop, Russia’s increasing influence in Africa, exemplified by the activities of the Wagner Group and its successors, raises concerns for Angolan authorities wary of external interference in their political affairs.
In addition to Lakshtanov and Ratchin, the trial also included two Angolan nationals. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth branch, was acquitted. The prosecution has since appealed these verdicts, as have the Russian defendants, who will remain incarcerated during the appeal process.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the precarious balance of power within Angola, highlighting the potential for foreign influence to destabilise national politics. As Angola grapples with economic challenges exacerbated by fluctuating oil prices, the intersection of domestic unrest and international espionage raises alarms about the future of its governance and democratic processes. The case not only reflects the complexities of Angola’s relationship with Russia but also serves as a cautionary tale for other nations navigating the treacherous waters of foreign interference and political manipulation.
