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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 purported conspiracy to instigate a coup and orchestrate violent protests linked to escalating fuel prices. Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was handed an eleven-year term. Both men have consistently rejected the charges, asserting that their visit to Angola was intended for cultural and business purposes.
Details of the Conviction
The court’s decision comes in the wake of widespread unrest in Angola, where a minibus taxi strike from 28 to 30 July 2025 spiralled into chaos, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. Eyewitness accounts and human rights organisations have raised serious concerns regarding the use of live ammunition by Angolan security forces against demonstrators, although the government contends that its actions were a necessary response to restore order.
Angolan prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to destabilise the country in anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections. They purportedly sought to finance the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party, or to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been in power since the nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Connections to Russian Disinformation Networks
Prosecutors also highlighted the men’s purported ties to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation entity that has its roots in the Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), raising concerns over the Kremlin’s expanding influence in African political affairs.
Angola’s historical ties with Russia date back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union played a crucial role in supporting the MPLA during the country’s prolonged civil conflict. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relationships with the United States and European nations, balancing its foreign alliances.
Russia’s Increasing Footprint in Africa
In recent years, Russia has notably expanded its presence across Africa, with the Wagner group providing military support in various nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. The rebranded Africa Corps has also been implicated in backing military regimes in Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as deploying troops in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan. Notably, Madagascar’s recent leadership under President Michael Randrianirina has also shown a growing affinity for Moscow, further solidifying Russia’s influence in the region.
In the Angolan trial, two local individuals also faced charges. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. The prosecution has since appealed these sentences, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody during the appeals process.
Why it Matters
The conviction of Lakshtanov and Ratchin is emblematic of the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in Angola and the African continent, where foreign influence, particularly from Russia, is increasingly shaping political landscapes. As Angola navigates its complex relationships with both East and West, the implications of this case extend beyond mere legal ramifications; they signal a potential shift in Angola’s internal stability and its international alliances. This moment underscores the delicate balance Angola must maintain amidst rising tensions between global powers vying for influence in Africa.