Two Russian men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were found guilty of conspiring to instigate a coup and orchestrate violent protests linked to fuel price increases that rocked the nation last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin will serve 11 years behind bars.
The Charges and Their Context
The court’s decision follows a turbulent period in July 2025, when a strike by minibus taxi operators, protesting fuel price hikes, escalated into widespread riots and looting. Official reports indicated that the unrest resulted in the deaths of 22 people and over 1,600 arrests. Angola’s police faced accusations of using live ammunition against demonstrators, a claim the government defended by asserting that the force employed was necessary.
Human Rights Watch had previously condemned the Angolan authorities for their heavy-handed tactics, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse peaceful protests. The unrest not only highlighted the growing discontent among the populace over rising living costs but also raised concerns regarding civil liberties in the country.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The prosecution argued that Lakshtanov and Ratchin had connections to a Russian propaganda network known as Africa Politology, which reportedly evolved from the notorious Wagner Group following the death of its chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023. This network has allegedly been involved in disinformation campaigns across Africa and is believed to have ties with Angola’s largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Prosecutors asserted that the two men aimed to influence the upcoming presidential elections by either providing funding to UNITA or instigating a leadership challenge within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
The Geopolitical Landscape
Angola has historically maintained close relations with Russia, particularly during the Cold War era when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the nation’s civil war from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has been strengthening ties with the United States and European nations.
In recent years, Russia’s presence in Africa has notably expanded, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing military support to various regimes across the continent. Reports indicate that Russian forces have been deployed in countries such as Mali, the Central African Republic, and Libya, further tightening Moscow’s grip in the region.
Local Implications and Future Developments
Alongside the Russian nationals, two Angolans also faced trial. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé was handed a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth branch, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed against these sentences, and both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also lodged appeals against their convictions. They will remain detained pending the appeal process.
As the situation evolves, there has been no immediate response from the Russian embassy in Angola regarding the verdicts.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores the precarious balance of power in Angola and the broader implications of foreign influence in African politics. As Angola grapples with internal dissent exacerbated by economic challenges, the actions of foreign nationals may further complicate its geopolitical landscape. The case raises critical questions about national sovereignty, the role of external actors in domestic affairs, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in a nation still navigating the shadows of its tumultuous past.
