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In a significant ruling that underscores the tense political landscape in Angola, two Russian citizens have been convicted of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and eleven years in prison, respectively, following allegations that they plotted to instigate a coup and orchestrate violent protests over escalating fuel prices in the southern African nation.
Court Ruling and Allegations
The court’s decision, handed down in July 2026, centres on events linked to a series of violent riots from July 28 to July 30, 2025. These disturbances erupted during a taxi strike against soaring fuel prices, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 individuals and over 1,600 arrests. Eyewitness accounts and reports from Human Rights Watch suggest that Angolan security forces resorted to live ammunition against protesters, although the government defended its actions as a necessary measure of restraint.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin asserted that their presence in Angola was benign, claiming to be involved in cultural and business pursuits. However, prosecutors painted a different picture, accusing the pair of attempting to influence Angola’s upcoming presidential elections. This included alleged financial support for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s primary opposition party, as well as efforts to destabilise the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has maintained power since the nation’s independence in 1975.
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
The prosecution further alleged that the two men were connected to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation entity with ties to the now-defunct Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was assimilated into Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps. This transition reflects a broader strategy by Russia to extend its influence across Africa, particularly in nations where it has historical ties, such as Angola.
Angola’s past is marked by Cold War alignments, during which the MPLA received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba, while its opponents were backed by the United States and apartheid South Africa. Since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, however, Angola has sought to enhance relations with the West, complicating its historical ties with Moscow.
Russia’s Expanding Role in Africa
Over the past decade, Moscow has increasingly asserted its presence throughout Africa. The Wagner Group, and now Africa Corps, have provided security to various regimes, including in the Central African Republic and Mali, while also supporting military regimes in Niger and Burkina Faso. Moreover, Russian military personnel have been deployed to Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, indicating a strategic shift in regional alliances.
In Madagascar, President Michael Randrianirina has strengthened ties with Russia since seizing power in a coup in October 2025, further illustrating the Kremlin’s influence in the region.
Two Angolan nationals were also implicated in the case against Lakshtanov and Ratchin. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while UNITA’s youth wing secretary-general, Francisco de Oliveira, was acquitted. Appeals against these verdicts have been lodged by both the Angolan prosecutors and the Russian defendants, who remain in custody pending the appeal process.
Responses and Implications
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on the court’s decision, reflecting the sensitive nature of this case in the context of international relations. As Angola grapples with internal unrest and economic challenges, the implications of this ruling extend beyond the individuals involved, raising questions about foreign intervention in domestic politics and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.
Why it Matters
This case serves as a pivotal moment for Angola, highlighting the complexities of its political landscape and the potential for external influences to shape its future. The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin not only underscore the Angolan government’s resolve to maintain stability but also signal the precarious balance of power in a country historically shaped by foreign alliances. As Russia seeks to expand its footprint in Africa, the repercussions of this case may resonate widely, influencing both regional politics and international relations.
