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In a significant legal ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on charges of terrorism and espionage, stemming from an alleged plot to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over fuel prices in the southern African nation. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison term, while Ratchin was sentenced to eleven years. Both men have denied the allegations, asserting that their visit to Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes.
Background of the Protests
The unrest that led to the convictions erupted from a minibus taxi strike that occurred between 28 and 30 July 2025. Initially sparked by rising fuel prices, the strike escalated into widespread riots and looting, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to government statistics. Reports indicated that Angolan security forces employed live ammunition against demonstrators. The government defended its actions as a necessary “progressive” use of force. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the excessive measures used to quell a peaceful protest against fuel hikes on 12 July 2025, where rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The Angolan prosecution contended that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to manipulate the upcoming presidential elections in 2026, potentially by financing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, or by instigating a shift in leadership within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Further complicating the case, the prosecutors alleged that the two Russians had ties to Africa Politology, a disinformation network linked to the Wagner Group, which has been associated with Russian military operations in Africa. This network reportedly came under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.
Historical Ties and Shifting Alliances
Angola has a long-standing relationship with Russia, dating back to the Cold War era during the MPLA’s civil war, where the Soviet Union provided substantial support. However, since João Lourenço assumed the presidency in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relations with the United States and European nations, diversifying its foreign alliances.
In recent years, Russia has notably expanded its influence across Africa, with the Wagner Group playing a pivotal role in military and security operations in various nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. The group’s activities have raised concerns about the implications of Russian involvement in African political affairs and security.
Local Legal Proceedings
Alongside the Russians, two Angolans were also tried — sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed the sentences, and Lakshtanov and Ratchin are expected to remain in custody as their cases progress through the appeals process. The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a statement regarding the verdict.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlights not only the complexities of Angola’s internal politics but also the broader implications of foreign influence in African governance. As countries like Russia intensify their engagement in Africa, the repercussions of such alliances could significantly affect regional stability and political dynamics, especially in nations grappling with economic turmoil and social unrest. This case serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance between national sovereignty and external interference in the evolving landscape of international relations.