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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has sentenced two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, to eight and eleven years in prison respectively for terrorism and espionage. The men were accused of conspiring to orchestrate a coup and inciting violent protests in response to soaring fuel prices that rocked the nation in 2025. Their convictions highlight both the local unrest and the broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia’s influence in Africa.
Background of the Case
Lakshtanov and Ratchin were apprehended following a series of violent demonstrations that erupted from a minibus taxi strike between 28 and 30 July 2025. This unrest, triggered by escalating fuel costs, resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, as per official reports. The Angolan government faced criticism for its heavy-handed response, which included allegations of live ammunition being used against protesters. Human Rights Watch condemned the excessive force employed by security forces during a peaceful protest on 12 July, where rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that the two Russians aimed to influence the upcoming presidential elections, possibly by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s leading opposition party. They were also alleged to have ties to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation entity linked to the Wagner Group, which was restructured following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.
Political Context and International Relations
Angola, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, has a long history of political alliances, particularly with Russia during the Cold War era. The ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba while its opponents were backed by the US and apartheid South Africa. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its ties with the United States and European nations, signalling a shift in its diplomatic stance.
In recent years, Russia has increased its footprint across the African continent, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, involved in various countries, providing security and military support. Notably, Russian forces have been deployed in nations such as Mali, the Central African Republic, and more recently, Equatorial Guinea and Libya. This growing influence raises concerns about the implications for local governance and human rights.
Local Reactions and the Judicial Process
Alongside the two Russian defendants, two Angolans were also implicated in the case. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. The prosecution has appealed against these sentences, and both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have followed suit regarding their convictions, though they will remain in custody during the appeals process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter, leaving many questions about Moscow’s position on this unfolding situation.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscore the precarious balance of power in Angola and reflect the broader implications of international involvement in African politics. As Russia seeks to expand its influence on the continent, events like these bring to light the complex interplay between local governance, foreign intervention, and the quest for stability. The outcome of the appeals process could further complicate Angola’s political landscape, especially in the lead-up to crucial elections, while also shaping the future of Angola-Russia relations amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny from the international community.