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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 coup and the orchestration of deadly protests linked to fuel price increases last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was handed an 11-year term. Both individuals have denied the allegations, asserting that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes.
Coup Allegations and Public Unrest
The charges against Lakshtanov and Ratchin arise from a tumultuous period in Angola, specifically during the minibus taxi strike from 28-30 July 2025. This strike, driven by escalating fuel prices, spiralled into widespread violence, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600 people. Witnesses reported that Angolan security forces employed live ammunition against demonstrators, sparking outrage and accusations of excessive force from human rights organisations.
Prosecutors claimed that the two men aimed to destabilise Angola ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for the following year. Their alleged plans included financing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, and attempting to instigate a power shift within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Russian Influence in Angola
The Russian connection runs deeper than just the actions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin. Prosecutors linked the two to Africa Politology, a disinformation network that evolved from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, this network was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps.
Historically, Angola has maintained a complex relationship with Russia. During the Cold War, the MPLA received substantial backing from the Soviet Union. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with the West, notably the United States and European nations. This strategic pivot reflects a broader trend of Russia’s growing influence across the African continent, as evidenced by its military presence in several nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali.
Broader Implications for Angola and Russia
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin come amidst a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition in Africa. With Russia expanding its footprint through military and economic partnerships, Angola’s government appears to be balancing its historical ties with Russia against the need for international cooperation with the West.
As tensions escalate, the case has also drawn attention to the internal dynamics within Angola. Alongside the Russians, two Angolan nationals faced trial, with one, sports journalist Carlos Tomé, receiving a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. The divergence in sentencing highlights the complex socio-political landscape in Angola as it navigates its future.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the precarious balance Angola must maintain in its foreign relations, especially as it grapples with internal dissent and economic challenges. As Russia continues to seek greater influence in Africa, the implications of this case could reverberate beyond Angola’s borders, affecting regional stability and international diplomatic relations. The situation warrants close observation, as it may signal shifts in alliances and the potential for increased unrest in a nation still healing from a lengthy civil war.
