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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian men, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on charges of terrorism and espionage. The court sentenced Lakshtanov to eight years in prison and Ratchin to eleven years, following accusations that they plotted to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over fuel prices in Angola last year.
Charges and Sentencing Details
The allegations against Lakshtanov and Ratchin stem from their purported involvement in planning to destabilise the Angolan government amid civil unrest. The protests erupted in July 2025 after a minibus taxi strike over soaring fuel costs spiralled into violent riots, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600 people. According to official reports, Angolan security forces faced criticism for using live ammunition against demonstrators, although the government defended its actions, asserting that its response was measured and appropriate.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the two men sought to influence the upcoming presidential elections in Angola. They were accused of attempting to fund the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the nation’s largest opposition party, and possibly instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The MPLA has maintained power since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Connections to Russian Disinformation Networks
Legal authorities linked Lakshtanov and Ratchin to Africa Politology, a disinformation entity tied to the Wagner Group, which has gained notoriety for its activities across Africa. Following the demise of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, the group was reportedly assimilated into Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and rebranded as Africa Corps. This transformation reflects a broader strategy by the Russian state to enhance its influence in various African nations, providing security support to regimes in places like the Central African Republic and Mali.
Geopolitical Context and Implications
Historically, Angola has nurtured strong ties with Russia, particularly during the Cold War when the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA during Angola’s civil conflict from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, relations with Western nations have improved. Under his leadership, Angola has sought to diversify its international partnerships, moving closer to the United States and Europe.
In recent years, Russia has ramped up its presence in Africa, with operations extending to military support for various regimes across the continent. Reports indicate that Russian military personnel have been deployed in nations such as Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, further intensifying the geopolitical landscape.
Appeal Process and Future Developments
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 secretary-general of UNITA’s youth branch, was acquitted. Both the prosecution and the defendants have lodged appeals against the verdicts, with Lakshtanov and Ratchin remaining in custody during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a formal comment regarding the case, leaving many questions regarding the diplomatic ramifications of this sentencing unanswered.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlight the increasingly complex interplay of local unrest, foreign influence, and geopolitical manoeuvring in Angola. As the nation navigates its relationship with both Russia and the West, the outcomes of this case could serve as a barometer for future political stability and international relations in the region. The implications of foreign meddling in African governance are profound, and the attention garnered by this trial underscores the delicate balance Angola must maintain between historical alliances and contemporary geopolitical realities.
