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In a dramatic courtroom verdict, two Russian nationals have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Angola, accused of plotting a coup and inciting violent protests linked to rising fuel prices. Lev Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Igor Ratchin was handed eleven years behind bars. Their convictions follow a tumultuous period in Angola marked by deadly unrest, raising questions about internal security and international relations.
The Charges and Sentencing
Lakshtanov and Ratchin were found guilty by an Angolan court of serious crimes, including terrorism and espionage. Prosecutors alleged that the pair conspired to undermine the government by orchestrating a coup and financing protests that erupted in July 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600 people. The men maintained their innocence throughout the trial, asserting that their visit to Angola was for cultural and business purposes, not political machinations.
The unrest in July was triggered by a minibus taxi strike over fuel price increases. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly devolved into chaos, with reports of police using live ammunition against protesters. The Angolan government defended its actions, claiming its use of force was “progressive” and necessary to maintain order. Human rights organisations have condemned the government’s heavy-handed response, citing excessive force against demonstrators.
Allegations of Foreign Involvement
Angolan authorities claimed that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were connected to Africa Politology, a Russian propaganda network linked to the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, this network was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). The prosecutors argued that the Russians aimed to influence Angola’s political landscape, specifically targeting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, and attempting to destabilise the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
The historical ties between Angola and Russia date back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the country’s civil war. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, particularly the US and Europe, leading to a complex geopolitical landscape.
Broader Implications for Angola and Russia
In recent years, Russia’s influence in Africa has surged, with its private military contractors involved in various conflicts across the continent. From aiding the Central African Republic to supporting military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the Kremlin’s actions in Africa have raised alarm about a new era of geopolitical rivalry. Angola, while historically aligned with Russia, is at a crossroads as it navigates its foreign relations amidst internal strife and external pressures.
During the trial, two Angolan nationals were also implicated. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, UNITA’s youth wing secretary-general, was acquitted. The prosecution has appealed these decisions, adding further tension to an already volatile situation. Both Russians have also lodged appeals against their sentences but will remain incarcerated while these proceedings unfold.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin in Angola marks a critical moment in the intersection of local politics and international influence. As the Angolan government grapples with rising dissent and economic challenges, the case highlights the potential for foreign actors to exploit these vulnerabilities. With Russia’s expanding footprint in Africa, the outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how nations respond to foreign involvement in domestic affairs, ultimately shaping the future of Angola’s political landscape and its international alliances.
