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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, of terrorism and espionage. The convictions stem from allegations that the pair sought to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over rising fuel prices in the southern African nation last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison sentence, while Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years in custody. Both men have denied the charges, asserting that their visit to Angola was intended for cultural and business engagements.
Context of the Protests
The convictions are rooted in a turbulent period in Angola’s recent history. From 28 to 30 July 2025, a minibus taxi strike protesting increased fuel costs spiralled into widespread chaos, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600 people. Angolan security forces faced accusations of employing live ammunition against demonstrators, a claim the government has contested, asserting that their response was a necessary measure of “progressive” force. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government for its heavy-handed tactics in dispersing peaceful protests, highlighting the use of rubber bullets and tear gas during an earlier demonstration on 12 July 2025.
Allegations of Foreign Intervention
Prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were involved in efforts to sway the upcoming presidential elections by either financing Angola’s main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or instigating a leadership shift within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). Furthermore, claims surfaced linking the two men to Africa Politology, a disinformation network with ties to the Wagner Group, which is now operating under the Russian military’s aegis after the demise of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Historically, Angola has maintained a close relationship with Russia, particularly during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA during the civil conflict that lasted from 1975 to 2002. However, since João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its ties with Western nations, creating a complex diplomatic landscape.
Regional Implications of Russian Influence
In recent years, Russia has expanded its influence across Africa, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, reportedly providing military support to various regimes. This includes backing the Central African Republic’s president since 2017, as well as military involvement in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Libya, and Sudan. The growing presence of Russian military forces raises concerns regarding the stability of the region and the implications for local governance.
In the context of the recent trial, two Angolan citizens were also implicated. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Appeals have been filed by both the prosecution and the defendants, yet Lakshtanov and Ratchin will remain incarcerated during the appeal process.
The Response from Russia
As of now, the Russian embassy in Angola has not issued a statement regarding the verdict. The silence from Moscow, in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the increasing scrutiny of Russian activities abroad, may signal a strategic consideration as the situation develops.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the intricate web of international relations and domestic tensions in Angola. It highlights the precarious balance the Angolan government seeks to maintain between upholding national security and navigating its historical ties with Russia amidst a shifting global power dynamic. The events of July 2025 and the subsequent trials serve as a stark reminder of the potential for foreign influence to exacerbate internal conflicts, raising critical questions about the future of governance and stability in Angola and beyond.