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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit terrorism and espionage. The court’s decision is rooted in allegations that the pair attempted to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests against soaring fuel prices in Angola last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison term, while Ratchin was sentenced to eleven years for their alleged roles in these activities.
Convictions Amidst Political Unrest
The unrest in Angola erupted between 28 and 30 July 2025, following a minibus taxi strike triggered by escalating fuel costs. The situation escalated into riots that resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals, with over 1,600 arrests made during the chaos. Eyewitnesses reported that Angolan security forces deployed live ammunition against protesters, a claim countered by the government, which maintained that its use of force was proportionate and necessary.
Human Rights Watch condemned what it described as excessive force used by Angolan authorities, particularly during a separate, peaceful protest against fuel price hikes on 12 July 2025, where rubber bullets and tear gas were employed.
Allegations of Foreign Influence
Prosecutors have alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were part of a broader scheme to manipulate Angola’s political landscape, aiming to influence the upcoming presidential elections by financially backing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party. They were also accused of seeking to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been in power since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
In a further twist, the prosecution linked the accused to Africa Politology, a disinformation network associated with the notorious Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, this network was reportedly appropriated by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps, now tasked with various operations across Africa.
Historical Context and International Relations
Angola’s political history is steeped in Cold War dynamics, with the MPLA receiving support from the Soviet Union and Cuba, while its opponents garnered backing from the United States and apartheid South Africa during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. However, the current Angolan administration, led by President João Lourenço since 2017, has shifted its foreign policy to strengthen ties with Western nations, particularly the United States and Europe.
In recent years, Russia has intensified its engagement in Africa, with the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps, involved in various military and security operations across the continent. Reports indicate that Russian forces have been deployed in countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, showcasing Moscow’s expanding influence in the region.
Local Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Alongside Lakshtanov and Ratchin, two Angolan nationals were also tried. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, associated with UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Following the verdict, prosecutors announced their intention to appeal the sentences, as did the Russian defendants, who will remain in custody during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a public statement regarding the convictions.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the fragile intersection of politics, foreign influence, and civil unrest in Angola. As the country approaches pivotal elections, the implications of this case extend beyond mere legal ramifications, signalling potential shifts in the balance of power and foreign relations in a region already marked by geopolitical tensions. The increasing involvement of Russian operatives in African politics raises critical questions about sovereignty, security, and the future of democratic practices in the continent’s governance.