In a significant judicial decision, two Russian men have been convicted by an Angolan court of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and eleven years in prison, respectively, after being accused of orchestrating a coup and inciting violent protests linked to fuel price increases in the nation last year.
Court Findings and Sentences
The court found Lakshtanov and Ratchin guilty of plotting to destabilise Angola and influence the upcoming presidential elections. Prosecutors asserted that the defendants intended to finance the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party, to undermine the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The MPLA has maintained power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
The convictions stem from a tumultuous period in late July 2025, when a taxi strike over soaring fuel prices escalated into riots, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrests of over 1,600, as per official reports. Eyewitness accounts and human rights organisations noted that security forces used live ammunition against protesters, prompting the government to defend its actions as a necessary response.
Allegations of Foreign Influence
Prosecutors further alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin had connections to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network linked to the Wagner Group, a notorious paramilitary organisation. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology reportedly came under the purview of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and has since been rebranded as Africa Corps.
This development is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend of increasing Russian activity in Africa, particularly in nations grappling with political instability. For instance, Russian forces have been deployed to support various military regimes across the continent, including in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Angola’s Evolving International Relationships
Angola’s historical ties with Russia date back to the Cold War, during which the Soviet Union supported the MPLA against the US-backed opposition. However, since João Lourenço assumed the presidency in 2017, Angola has pivoted towards strengthening its relationships with Western nations, notably the United States and European countries. This shift raises questions about the Kremlin’s ambitions in the region amidst a backdrop of increasing Western scrutiny.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, Angola’s positioning may play a pivotal role in either fostering or hindering Russian influence in Africa.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
In addition to the Russian defendants, two Angolan nationals were also prosecuted in connection with the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira
