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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 plot to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over rising fuel prices. Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was handed 11 years in prison. Both men have denied the accusations, asserting their presence in Angola was for cultural and business purposes.
Charges and Convictions
The court’s verdict comes in the wake of a tumultuous period in Angola, where civil unrest erupted during a nationwide taxi strike over soaring fuel costs in July 2025. The protests escalated into widespread riots that tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s use of excessive force against demonstrators, which included live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas during a more peaceful protest earlier that month.
Angolan prosecutors accused Lakshtanov and Ratchin of attempting to influence the political landscape ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential elections. They allegedly aimed to support the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party, and potentially instigate leadership changes within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been in power since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Links to Russian Disinformation
The prosecution also claimed that the two men were affiliated with Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that emerged 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). This reorganisation reflects a broader trend of Russian military and political influence expanding across Africa, particularly through the Wagner Group’s activities in various nations, including Mali and the Central African Republic.
Historical Context and Current Relations
Historically, Angola has maintained a close relationship with Russia, dating back to the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the civil war, while the United States and apartheid South Africa backed opposition forces. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its ties with the West, particularly the United States and European nations.
Despite this pivot, Russia has been increasing its presence on the African continent. Reports suggest that Russian troops have been deployed in several African countries since 2023, including Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, while Madagascar’s new leadership has also sought closer ties with Moscow.
Local Accomplices and Appeals
In addition to the Russian defendants, two Angolan citizens faced charges related to the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the youth wing secretary-general of UNITA, was acquitted. Appeals have been lodged by both the prosecution and the defendants, who remain in custody pending the outcome of these legal proceedings.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a comment regarding the court’s decision, reflecting the tense diplomatic atmosphere surrounding the case.
Why it Matters
The conviction of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the delicate interplay between national security, foreign influence, and civil liberties in Angola. As the country grapples with economic challenges and heightened political tensions, this case highlights the growing concerns over external interference in domestic affairs, particularly from powerful foreign entities like Russia. With Angola’s political future at a crossroads, the ramifications of this ruling may resonate far beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Southern Africa.
