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In a dramatic legal showdown, two Russian nationals have been sentenced to significant prison terms in Angola, convicted of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and eleven years, respectively, after being implicated in a purported plot to instigate a coup amid violent protests over rising fuel prices in the southern African nation last year.
A Coup in the Shadows
The convictions stem from a chaotic series of events that unfolded between 28 and 30 July 2025, during which a minibus taxi strike escalated into widespread riots. Demonstrations against soaring fuel prices spiralled out of control, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the detention of over 1,600 others, according to government figures. Eyewitness accounts and local reports suggest that security forces resorted to live ammunition against the demonstrators, a claim the government dismissed as a justified, “progressive” response to violence. Human Rights Watch has condemned the Angolan authorities for their excessive use of force, particularly during a peaceful protest that took place just weeks earlier, on 12 July 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to destabilise the Angolan government by influencing the upcoming presidential elections. They purportedly aimed to fund the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the nation’s largest opposition party, or to orchestrate 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.
Ties to Russian Disinformation Networks
Further complicating the narrative, the prosecution linked the two men to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation outfit that grew out of the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was subsumed under the auspices of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). This rebranding underscores the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to extend its influence across the African continent, with Russia’s military involvement in various countries like Mali and the Central African Republic amplifying concerns about foreign meddling in local governance.
Angola’s historical ties with Russia, dating back to the Cold War era, add another layer of complexity. During the civil war that raged from 1975 to 2002, the MPLA received significant backing from the Soviet Union and Cuba, while the US and apartheid South Africa supported its opponents. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to mend relations with the West, suggesting a shift in geopolitical alliances.
A Broader Context of Instability
The ramifications of these convictions extend beyond the courtroom. Angola’s economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, is in a precarious state, with rising fuel prices igniting public discontent. This unrest mirrors a larger trend across Africa, where discontent with governance and economic hardship has led to increased political volatility.
The presence of Russian operatives in Angola highlights the growing geopolitical contest for influence in Africa. As Russian troops find their way into countries like Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, the implications for local governance and stability cannot be understated. The Kremlin’s strategy appears focused on fostering military and political alliances that could reshape the continent’s power dynamics.
Two Angolans were also implicated in the trial alongside the Russians. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the youth leader of UNITA, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed these sentences, indicating that the legal battles are far from over. Meanwhile, Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also filed their own appeals but will remain incarcerated as the legal process unfolds.
Why it Matters
The conviction of Lakshtanov and Ratchin serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political stability in Angola and the potential for external influences to exacerbate internal strife. As the country grapples with economic hardship and a growing public outcry, the impact of foreign interventions cannot be overlooked. The case underscores the delicate balance of power in a nation still wrestling with its colonial past and the looming shadows of foreign powers eager to exploit its vulnerabilities. As Angolans seek to chart a path forward, the intersection of domestic discontent and international intrigue presents a volatile mix that could define the future of governance in the region.