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In a significant legal development, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on charges of terrorism and espionage. They were accused of plotting a coup and facilitating violent protests in Angola last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison term, while Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years. Both men have denied the allegations, asserting their presence in Angola was for cultural and business purposes.
Allegations of Coup and Instigation
The court’s decision follows allegations that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were involved in orchestrating unrest linked to a minibus taxi strike that erupted in late July 2025. Protests against soaring fuel prices escalated into riots, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to government statistics. The Angolan security forces faced criticism for their use of live ammunition during the unrest, with the government justifying its actions as a necessary response.
In July 2025, Human Rights Watch condemned the excessive force employed by Angolan authorities, including the deployment of rubber bullets and teargas to disperse peaceful protests. The charges against the two Russians included claims of attempting to influence the upcoming presidential elections by potentially funding the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the main opposition party, or instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
The prosecution also connected Lakshtanov and Ratchin to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that emerged from the infamous Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly subsumed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps. This restructuring aligns with a broader trend of Russian influence in African affairs, where Wagner forces have previously provided military support in countries like the Central African Republic, Mali, and more recently in Libya and Sudan.
Shifting Alliances in Angola
Historically, Angola has maintained a close relationship with Russia, especially during the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the country’s civil conflict from 1975 to 2002. However, under President João Lourenço, who has been in power since 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its ties with the United States and European nations, indicating a shift in diplomatic strategy.
While Russia’s presence in Africa has expanded over the past decade, with support for various regimes across the continent, Angola appears to be recalibrating its alliances. The recent sentencing of the two Russians underscores the complexities of these geopolitical dynamics, particularly as Angola navigates between historical ties and contemporary international relationships.
Local Reactions and Broader Implications
Alongside the Russians, two Angolan nationals were also tried; sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, a UNITA youth leader, was acquitted. The prosecution has appealed these sentences, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody pending the outcomes of their appeals.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a statement regarding the convictions, reflecting the sensitive nature of this case amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin not only highlight the precarious state of political affairs in Angola but also serve as a bellwether for the growing influence of foreign actors in African politics. As nations like Russia attempt to expand their reach through disinformation and military support, the repercussions of such actions resonate far beyond Angola’s borders, potentially destabilising the region and altering the balance of power in international relations. The outcome of this case may influence future interactions between Angola, Russia, and Western nations, as the world watches closely.