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Two Russian men have been handed lengthy prison sentences in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were found guilty by an Angolan court for their alleged involvement in a plot to stage a coup and orchestrate violent protests linked to soaring fuel prices last year. The court’s decision underscores the country’s ongoing struggles with political stability and public dissent.
Court Proceedings and Sentences
Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was dealt an eleven-year term. Throughout the trial, both men maintained their innocence, asserting that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business engagements. Their convictions come in the wake of a violent taxi strike that erupted into chaos in late July 2025, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to official records.
The protests were sparked by significant hikes in fuel prices, exposing deep-seated frustrations among the Angolan populace. Eyewitness accounts and various reports indicate that security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators, prompting accusations of excessive force. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s handling of a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, where rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Angolan prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to influence the upcoming presidential elections. Their purported strategy involved providing financial support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, or instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has maintained power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
The prosecution linked the two men to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that evolved from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps, which has continued to extend its influence across the continent.
Historical Context and Current Implications
Angola’s relationship with Russia has deep historical roots, dating back to the Cold War when the MPLA received significant backing from the Soviet Union and Cuba during the civil war that ravaged the nation from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with the United States and European nations, signalling a shift in its geopolitical alignments.
In recent years, Russia’s assertive presence in Africa has expanded, with Wagner Group forces operating in several nations, including Mali and the Central African Republic. These developments raise concerns about the implications of foreign influence on African political landscapes, particularly as countries grapple with their internal challenges.
Local Trials and Reactions
Alongside the Russians, two Angolans faced trial in connection with the same case. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have since appealed the outcomes of these trials, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, although they will remain incarcerated during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to respond to requests for commentary on the sentences, leaving uncertainty surrounding the implications for bilateral relations.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlights the precarious balance of power in Angola, where the government’s response to dissent is increasingly scrutinised. As the country approaches its presidential elections, the interplay of foreign influence and domestic unrest poses significant questions about Angola’s political future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions at play in Africa, where external actors seek to assert their influence amidst local struggles for democracy and stability.
