**
In a significant ruling that underscores the complexities of international relations, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and eleven years in prison, respectively, for allegedly plotting a coup and orchestrating violent protests linked to fuel price hikes in Angola last year.
Court Findings and Sentencing
The convictions stem from events in late July 2025, when a minibus taxi strike over soaring fuel prices spiralled into chaos, resulting in 22 deaths and over 1,600 arrests. The Angolan government’s security forces faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, which included the use of live ammunition against demonstrators. Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the government’s actions, asserting that excessive force was employed to quell a largely peaceful protest just weeks before the riots.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to influence the upcoming presidential elections by financially backing Angola’s largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Links to Russian Intelligence and Disinformation
The prosecution revealed that the two men were reportedly affiliated with Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network with ties to the now-disbanded Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). This connection raises concerns about the extent of Russian influence in African political affairs, particularly as Moscow has been expanding its military and economic presence across the continent.
Angola’s Shifting Foreign Relations
Historically, Angola has maintained close ties with Russia, dating back to the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the civil war. However, under President João Lourenço, who took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relationships with the United States and European nations. This pivot has complicated Angola’s longstanding alliances, as evidenced by the recent tensions arising from the actions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin.
Russia’s engagement in Africa has been on the rise, with military support provided to regimes in the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The implications of these relationships are significant, particularly as nations like Madagascar, under President Michael Randrianirina, have also begun to forge stronger ties with Moscow.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Two Angolan nationals were also implicated in the trial: sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, a youth leader of UNITA, was acquitted. Both the prosecution and the defence have lodged appeals against the sentences, with Lakshtanov and Ratchin remaining in custody pending the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on the proceedings, leaving many questions about the implications of this case for Russian-Angolan relations and broader geopolitical dynamics.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlight the growing intersection of local unrest and international espionage, particularly in a nation like Angola, where economic hardships have led to civil discontent. As foreign powers increasingly vie for influence in Africa, the outcomes of such legal battles can shape not only domestic politics but also the strategic landscape of international relations on the continent. The case serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between governance, foreign intervention, and the rights of citizens in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
