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Two Russian nationals have been sentenced by an Angolan court to significant prison terms on charges of terrorism and espionage, following an alleged conspiracy to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests in the southern African nation. Lev Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while his compatriot Igor Ratchin was handed an eleven-year term. The court’s decision has raised questions about foreign influence in Angola, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s recent political turmoil.
Coup Conspiracy and Violent Protests
Lakshtanov and Ratchin faced accusations linked to events that unfolded between 28 and 30 July 2025, when a taxi strike over escalating fuel prices spiralled into widespread riots and looting. Official sources report that the unrest resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. The Angolan government has been scrutinised for its response, with allegations that security forces employed live ammunition against demonstrators. Conversely, the authorities defended their actions, asserting that their use of force was both “progressive” and necessary to restore order.
Human rights organisations, such as Human Rights Watch, have condemned the government’s heavy-handed tactics, alleging excessive force was used during a peaceful protest against rising fuel costs earlier that month. The escalating instability has provided a backdrop against which the Russian nationals were accused of seeking to manipulate Angola’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The Angolan prosecution painted a picture of Lakshtanov and Ratchin as operatives aiming to destabilise the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Prosecutors claimed that the duo intended to finance the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, as part of a broader strategy to influence the political framework.
Further complicating these allegations is the supposed connection of the accused to Africa Politology, a disinformation network that emerged from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly subsumed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), highlighting the evolving dynamics of Russian involvement in African affairs.
Angola’s Changing Political Landscape
Historically, Angola has maintained close ties with Russia, particularly during the Cold War when the Soviet Union provided support to the MPLA amid a brutal civil conflict. However, since João Lourenço became president in 2017, there has been a noticeable shift towards strengthening relations with Western powers, including the United States and European nations. This diplomatic pivot raises questions about the implications of Russian interference at a time when Angola is trying to balance its foreign relations.
In recent years, Russia has expanded its footprint across Africa, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing military assistance in several nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. The presence of Russian troops in various African countries underscores a broader strategy by Moscow to exert influence on the continent, often through controversial means.
Additional Sentences and Appeals
Alongside the Russians, two Angolan nationals faced trial; sports journalist Carlos Tomé was handed a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth division, was acquitted. Both the prosecution and the defendants have filed appeals against their respective sentences, with Lakshtanov and Ratchin remaining in custody pending the outcome of these legal processes.
The Russian embassy in Angola has not yet issued a statement regarding the verdict, leaving many questions unanswered about the Kremlin’s stance on this case.
Why it Matters
The sentences handed down to Lakshtanov and Ratchin reflect a significant moment in Angola’s political climate, highlighting the delicate interplay of domestic unrest and foreign influence. As Angola navigates its path towards stability, the implications of this case extend beyond its borders, offering a glimpse into the broader geopolitical contest for power and influence in Africa. The outcome of the appeals and the potential for further unrest could reshape not only Angola’s political landscape but also its international relations in a region increasingly caught in the crossfire of global powers vying for dominance.