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In a dramatic legal outcome, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals of terrorism and espionage, sentencing them to eight and 11 years in prison, respectively. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were accused of conspiring to instigate a coup and orchestrate violent protests over soaring fuel prices in the southern African nation last year. The case highlights the complex interplay of international relations and domestic unrest in Angola, a country grappling with economic challenges and political discontent.
The Charges and Sentencing
The convictions follow a tumultuous period in Angola, marked by a minibus taxi strike that spiralled into chaos from July 28 to July 30, 2025. The protests, sparked by rising fuel costs, led to riots and widespread looting, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to government statistics. The Angolan authorities have been accused of employing excessive force, with eyewitnesses reporting that security forces fired live ammunition at demonstrators. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s aggressive tactics, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas against peaceful protests.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin denied involvement in any wrongdoing, insisting that their presence in Angola was purely for cultural and business pursuits. However, prosecutors alleged that the men were working to influence the forthcoming presidential elections by funding the largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
The prosecution’s case suggested that the two men were affiliated with Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network associated with the notorious Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology reportedly came under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). The investigation into these connections raises concerns about the resurgence of Kremlin influence in African politics, particularly in nations with fragile governance structures.
Historically, Angola has maintained ties with Russia, especially during the Cold War era, when the MPLA received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba against its adversaries backed by the US and apartheid South Africa. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has shifted its diplomatic focus towards the West, fostering closer relations with the United States and European nations.
The Broader Context of Russian Influence in Africa
In recent years, Russia has made significant inroads into Africa, with the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps, operating in various nations across the continent. These forces have provided security services to regimes in the Central African Republic and Mali, while also supporting military juntas in Niger and Burkina Faso. The increasing Russian military presence in Africa raises questions about the implications for regional stability and governance, particularly in nations like Angola, where economic pressures can ignite widespread dissent.
Meanwhile, two Angolan nationals were tried alongside Lakshtanov and Ratchin. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. The prosecution has appealed these sentences, just as Lakshtanov and Ratchin have lodged their own appeals against their convictions, remaining in custody as the legal processes unfold.
Why it Matters
These convictions underscore the volatile nexus between foreign influence and local unrest in Angola. As economic hardships fuel public discontent, the presence of foreign operatives accused of inciting political instability raises alarms about the integrity of Angola’s democratic processes. With Angola’s historical ties to Russia and the increasing involvement of international players in African politics, the implications of this case extend far beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the landscape of power in the region and the methods of governance employed by its leaders. The world watches as Angola navigates these turbulent waters, poised at the crossroads of past alliances and future aspirations.
