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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on charges of terrorism and espionage linked to an alleged coup attempt and the orchestration of violent protests last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison sentence, while Ratchin was handed an 11-year term. Both men have maintained their innocence, asserting that their presence in Angola was purely for cultural and business engagements.
Context of the Protests
The convictions stem from a series of events that unfolded between 28 and 30 July 2025, when a taxi strike over soaring fuel prices spiralled into chaos, resulting in riots that claimed 22 lives and led to over 1,600 arrests. Eyewitness accounts and human rights organisations have reported that Angolan security forces employed live ammunition against demonstrators. The government, however, defended its actions, labelling its response as “progressive” rather than excessive. Notably, Human Rights Watch previously condemned the use of rubber bullets and tear gas during a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025.
Allegations of Political Interference
Angolan prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were attempting to sway the upcoming presidential elections by financing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, or by instigating a leadership change within the long-ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This ruling party has held power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
The prosecution also linked the accused to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda entity that arose from the Wagner mercenary group. Following the demise of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology reportedly came under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
Historical Ties Between Angola and Russia
Angola’s historical relationship with Russia dates back to the Cold War era, during which the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA during the country’s civil war from 1975 to 2002. However, since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, including the United States and Europe, while navigating the complexities of Russia’s growing influence in Africa.
In recent years, Russian military presence in Africa has surged, with the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing security services in various nations, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and more recently, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan.
The Broader Implications
Alongside the Russian defendants, two Angolans were also tried. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed these sentences, and both Lakshtanov and Ratchin will remain in custody during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on the verdicts.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlights the precarious interplay of international relations and domestic politics within Angola. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and political dissent, the involvement of foreign nationals in alleged coup plots raises serious questions about sovereignty and the influence of external powers. This case could serve as a bellwether for Angola’s future political landscape and its ongoing struggle for stability in a region where foreign interests are increasingly intertwined with local political dynamics.
