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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has handed down sentences to two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, for their involvement in a conspiracy to incite violence and undermine the government. Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison term, while Ratchin was sentenced to eleven years following convictions for terrorism and espionage. The court’s decision follows allegations that the pair conspired to orchestrate a coup and incite deadly protests over fuel price hikes that shook Angola in 2025.
Context of the Case
The charges against Lakshtanov and Ratchin stem from their purported involvement in unrest that erupted between 28 and 30 July 2025, during which a minibus taxi strike escalated into violent riots. Official reports indicate that these disturbances resulted in at least 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, raising serious concerns about the government’s approach to public dissent. Human Rights Watch previously described the Angolan authorities’ response as employing “excessive force,” including live ammunition and tear gas, against demonstrators protesting against soaring fuel prices.
Prosecutors claimed that the two Russians aimed to sway the upcoming presidential elections by either financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the nation’s largest opposition party, or inciting a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has maintained power since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Links to Russian Influence
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were affiliated with Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that has connections to the infamous Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly integrated into Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), highlighting a shift in Russian operations in Africa under the rebranded Africa Corps.
Historically, Angola has maintained close ties with Russia, particularly during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA amid the civil conflict that lasted from 1975 to 2002. However, since President João Lourenço assumed office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relationships with the United States and Europe, complicating its diplomatic landscape.
Broader Implications for Angola and Russia
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin occurs within a broader context of increasing Russian engagement in Africa. The Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, have provided military support in various African nations, including the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The presence of Russian troops has also been noted in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, as detailed in a recent US Congress report.
In addition to the Russian nationals, two Angolans were implicated in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed these rulings, as have Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody during their appeal process.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscore the delicate balance of power in Angola as it navigates its historical ties with Russia while attempting to bolster relations with Western nations. This case not only reflects the increasing tension surrounding domestic protests against economic hardship but also highlights the growing influence of foreign powers in African political affairs. As Angola approaches its next presidential election, the implications of these developments will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally, as they may signal a shift in the political landscape and governance in this resource-rich nation.
