Two Russian men were handed lengthy prison sentences in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage, linked to a purported attempt to orchestrate a coup and fuel violent protests over soaring fuel prices. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and 11 years, respectively, on charges they vehemently denied, insisting their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes.
The Background of Unrest
The case stems from a turbulent period in July 2025, when a minibus taxi strike over escalating fuel costs spiralled into chaos. Protests erupted from 28 to 30 July, leading to riots and widespread looting that left 22 dead and over 1,600 others in custody, based on official reports. Eyewitness accounts and human rights organisations condemned the Angolan security forces for employing live ammunition against demonstrators, a claim the government defended as a necessary use of force to maintain order. Human Rights Watch had previously critiqued the government’s response to an earlier protest on 12 July, branding it as an excessive reaction using rubber bullets and tear gas against peaceful protesters.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
Angolan prosecutors asserted that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to manipulate the upcoming presidential elections, potentially by financially backing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party. Their alleged intentions also included instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The duo was reportedly linked to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network with connections to the Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was said to have been absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), with Wagner rebranded as Africa Corps, indicating a strategic pivot in Russia’s operations in Africa.
Historical Context and Geopolitical Ties
Angola’s history with Russia dates back to the Cold War, during which the Soviet Union, along with Cuba, provided support to the MPLA during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with the US and Europe, reflecting a significant geopolitical shift.
In recent years, Russia has expanded its influence across Africa, with Wagner forces reportedly engaged in various conflicts in the Central African Republic, Mali, and other nations. The ongoing developments in Angola underscore the complex interplay of local unrest and global power dynamics, signalling Russia’s enduring ambition to establish a foothold on the continent.
Legal Consequences and Future Prospects
Alongside the Russian nationals, two Angolans were also implicated in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the youth leader of UNITA, was acquitted. The prosecution has since appealed these sentences, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding this case. Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also lodged appeals against their convictions but will remain incarcerated during the appeal process.
Despite the tumultuous backdrop, Russia’s embassy in Angola has yet to issue a public response, leaving many questions unanswered about the Kremlin’s stance on this unfolding situation.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlight the volatile intersection of local grievances and international intrigue in Angola. As the country grapples with economic instability and rising dissent, the involvement of foreign actors adds a layer of complexity to an already fraught political environment. This case not only illuminates the potential for external influences to shape domestic affairs but also signals a cautionary tale for nations navigating the treacherous waters of geopolitical rivalry, particularly in regions still reeling from historical conflicts.