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Two Russian citizens have been sentenced in Angola following their conviction for terrorism and espionage, a decision stemming from allegations that they plotted a coup and incited violent protests over fuel prices in the southern African nation. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received jail terms of eight and eleven years, respectively, after a court ruling that has significant implications for bilateral relations and regional stability.
Background of the Case
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin arose from events during late July 2025, when a taxi strike protesting fuel price hikes escalated into riots, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to government figures. The Angolan government faced criticism for its handling of the unrest, with allegations that security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators. Human Rights Watch condemned the excessive force used during a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, where rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed.
Prosecutors asserted that the accused sought to manipulate the upcoming presidential elections by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the main opposition party, or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been in power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Allegations of Foreign Influence
Prosecutors further claimed that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were affiliated with Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network linked to the Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and has since been rebranded as Africa Corps.
Historically, Angola has maintained a close relationship with Russia, particularly during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA in its civil war against UNITA. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with the United States and European nations, indicating a shift in its foreign policy landscape.
The Regional Context
The increasing presence of Russian entities in Africa has raised alarm among Western nations. The Wagner Group, and its successor Africa Corps, have been involved in supporting various regimes across the continent, including in the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Reports indicate that Russian military personnel have also been deployed in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, further expanding Moscow’s influence in the region.
In a related development, Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina, who rose to power through a coup in October 2025, has also sought to enhance relations with Russia, evidenced by the inclusion of Russian personnel in his presidential guard.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Alongside the Russian nationals, two Angolans were tried. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, UNITA’s youth wing secretary-general, was acquitted. The Angolan prosecutors have appealed the sentences, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to provide a comment regarding the sentences.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the delicate balance of power in Angola and highlights the broader geopolitical struggle between Western nations and Russia for influence in Africa. As tensions rise over economic issues and governance, the outcomes of these legal proceedings may not only affect domestic stability but could also have far-reaching consequences for Angola’s foreign relations, particularly with Russia and the West. The situation serves as a critical reminder of the often fraught intersection between local politics, international dynamics, and the ongoing influence of foreign powers in African nations.
