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Two Russian citizens, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, have been sentenced to substantial prison terms in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage. The court found them guilty of conspiring to stage a coup and inciting violence amid widespread protests over soaring fuel prices that resulted in significant unrest in the country last year.
Sentencing and Charges
In a ruling delivered on 23 July 2026, Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was handed a longer term of 11 years behind bars. Both men have consistently denied the allegations, asserting that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business-related purposes.
The backdrop to their conviction involved a tumultuous series of events from 28 to 30 July 2025, when a strike by minibus taxi drivers protesting fuel price hikes spiralled into riots. Official reports indicate that the unrest led to the deaths of 22 individuals, with over 1,600 arrests. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Angolan security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators, although the government defended its actions as a necessary response to maintain order during the riots.
Allegations of Political Interference
Angolan prosecutors presented a case suggesting that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to sway the upcoming presidential elections by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the nation’s largest opposition party, or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This party has held power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Furthermore, the court heard claims linking the defendants to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that emerged from the notorious Wagner Group and is believed to have connections with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.
Historical Context and International Relations
Angola has a long-standing relationship with Russia that dates back to the Cold War, during which the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the Angolan Civil War. However, since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, including the United States and European countries.
In recent years, Moscow has significantly increased its influence in Africa, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing military support in various nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. This growing presence has raised concerns among many observers regarding the implications for political stability and governance in the region.
In addition to the Russian nationals, two Angolans were also implicated in the trial. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, associated with UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have since appealed these outcomes, and Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also lodged appeals against their sentences, remaining in custody as their cases are reviewed.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlight the complex interplay of local governance, international relations, and security in Angola. As the country navigates its contentious history and evolving political landscape, the case serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between state authority and civil liberties. Moreover, it raises critical questions about the influence of foreign powers in African politics, particularly in the context of rising tensions and geopolitical shifts on the continent. The outcomes of these proceedings will likely resonate beyond Angola, affecting diplomatic relations and the broader discourse surrounding human rights and political freedom in the region.