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Two Russian nationals have been handed substantial prison sentences by an Angolan court after being convicted of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and eleven years, respectively, following allegations that they plotted a coup and incited violent protests related to fuel price increases in the country last year.
Background to the Convictions
The legal proceedings against Lakshtanov and Ratchin unfolded amid a backdrop of civil unrest in Angola, where a strike by minibus taxi operators over fuel price hikes escalated into riots from 28 to 30 July 2025. Official reports indicate that the unrest resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600 people. During these protests, Angolan security forces were accused of deploying live ammunition against demonstrators, although the government defended its actions as a “progressive” response to the unrest.
The unrest was further complicated by prior incidents of violence, including a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, which was met with allegations of excessive force by the Angolan authorities. Human Rights Watch has condemned the government’s use of rubber bullets and tear gas during these events, illuminating the tense political climate in Angola.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
Angolan prosecutors asserted that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to sway the upcoming presidential elections by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This party has held power since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The defendants denied the charges, claiming their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes. However, the prosecution linked them to Africa Politology, a Russian propaganda network that evolved from the Wagner Group, a mercenary organisation implicated in various conflicts across Africa. Following the demise of Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology came under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and was subsequently rebranded as Africa Corps, further intertwining Russian influence in the region.
Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics
Historically, Angola has maintained strong ties with Russia, particularly during the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the civil war from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relationships with the United States and Europe, signalling a potential shift in its diplomatic orientation.
In recent years, Russia has intensified its presence across Africa, with Wagner Group forces providing security assistance in countries such as the Central African Republic and Mali, and supporting military regimes in Niger and Burkina Faso. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by the recent coup in Madagascar, where President Michael Randrianirina has also cultivated closer ties with Russia.
Two Angolan associates of Lakshtanov and Ratchin faced charges alongside them. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have signalled their intention to appeal these verdicts, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody during the appeals process.
Implications for Angola and Beyond
The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting the intersection of domestic unrest and international intrigue. As Angola grapples with rising fuel prices and political discontent, the involvement of foreign nationals in internal affairs raises questions about sovereignty and the potential for external influence in shaping the country’s political landscape.
The convictions may also reflect broader trends in Africa, where Russian entities are increasingly engaged in political and military activities. As tensions mount between global powers in regions like Africa, the outcome of this case could signal Angola’s future positioning and the direction of its international alliances.
Why it Matters
This case underscores the fragile balance of power in Angola and the potential for foreign influence to disrupt domestic stability. As the country navigates its historical ties with Russia and the West, the actions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin may serve as a bellwether for the broader geopolitical dynamics in Africa. The implications of foreign meddling in local politics pose significant risks not only for Angola but for the region as a whole, challenging the integrity of national sovereignty and the prospects for democratic governance.
