In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to two Russian men, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, after they were convicted of terrorism and espionage. This verdict stems from their alleged involvement in a plot to orchestrate a coup and incite violent demonstrations last year over soaring fuel prices, which resulted in widespread unrest and loss of life.
Convictions Linked to Unrest
Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years behind bars. The pair had consistently denied the charges, asserting that their presence in Angola was purely for cultural and business pursuits. However, the court found their activities aligned with a broader conspiracy aimed at destabilising the Angolan government.
The unrest in question erupted between July 28-30, 2025, during a minibus taxi strike protesting fuel price hikes. What started as a demonstration quickly devolved into chaos, with official reports indicating that 22 people were killed and over 1,600 arrested. Eyewitnesses reported that security forces resorted to live ammunition against demonstrators, a claim the Angolan government defended as a necessary measure to restore order.
Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s heavy-handed approach, highlighting instances where rubber bullets and tear gas were employed against peaceful protesters just weeks before the taxi strike. The violence marked a stark reminder of the political tensions simmering beneath the surface in Angola.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
Prosecutors argued that Lakshtanov and Ratchin intended to disrupt the upcoming presidential elections by potentially funding the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party. They were also accused of attempting to instigate a leadership crisis within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been in power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Further complicating the narrative, the men were reportedly linked to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network with ties to the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was claimed to have been absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps, suggesting a direct line of influence from Russian state actors into Angolan affairs.
Historical Context and Geopolitical Ramifications
Angola’s historical ties with Russia date back to the Cold War, when the MPLA received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba during the country’s civil war that lasted until 2002. In recent years, however, Angola’s President João Lourenço has shifted the nation’s diplomatic focus, fostering closer relationships with the United States and European nations since his administration began in 2017.
This case unfolds against a backdrop of increasing Russian involvement across Africa, where the Wagner Group, rebranded as Africa Corps, has been actively engaged in several nations, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and even Libya. The expansion of Russian influence in Africa raises serious questions about the implications for regional stability and governance.
Local Reactions and Ongoing Legal Battles
In conjunction with the sentencing of the Russian nationals, two Angolan citizens were also implicated in the 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. The prosecution has signalled its intention to appeal the leniency of Tomé’s sentence.
Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin are appealing their convictions but remain in custody as the legal proceedings unfold. The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on the verdict, leaving questions regarding diplomatic implications unanswered.
Why it Matters
This case not only highlights the complex interplay of internal strife and foreign influence in Angola but also underscores the precarious balance of power in a nation still grappling with its post-colonial identity. As tensions rise between the Angolan government and opposition forces, the implications of foreign interference—particularly from emerging powers like Russia—could reshape the political landscape, challenging the nation’s sovereignty and potentially igniting further unrest. The outcome of this legal battle may have lasting effects on Angola’s governance and its diplomatic relations moving forward, raising urgent questions about the future of democracy in the region.