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In a landmark ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on charges of terrorism and espionage. The verdict, issued on 23 July 2026, follows allegations that the duo conspired to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests over fuel price hikes that gripped the country last year. Lakshtanov has been sentenced to eight years, while Ratchin faces 11 years behind bars. Both men have maintained their innocence, asserting that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes.
Context of the Charges
The turmoil leading to their arrest can be traced back to late July 2025, when a strike by minibus taxi drivers protesting soaring fuel prices spiralled into chaos. Official estimates indicate that the unrest resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, with security forces facing accusations of employing live ammunition against protesters. The Angolan government defended its actions, claiming that the use of force was necessary to maintain order.
Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s approach, citing instances of excessive force during a peaceful demonstration on 12 July 2025, where rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed against protestors.
Allegations of Political Interference
According to Angolan prosecutors, Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to meddle in the forthcoming presidential elections, allegedly by financing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the nation’s largest opposition party, or by attempting to instigate a leadership shift within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This political backdrop is particularly significant, as the MPLA has governed Angola since the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
The prosecution further suggested links between the accused and Africa Politology, a disinformation network emerging from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, this network has reportedly come under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), creating concerns about Russian influence in Angolan politics.
Russia and Angola: A Complex Relationship
Historically, Angola has maintained a close relationship with Russia, particularly during the Cold War and the civil war that plagued the nation from 1975 to 2002, when the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with both the United States and Europe, signalling a shift in its geopolitical alliances.
In recent years, Russia has ramped up its engagement in Africa, with the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing military support in various nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. Moreover, Russian military presence has expanded to Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, raising alarms about the Kremlin’s growing influence across the continent.
Two Angolan citizens were also implicated in the case alongside Lakshtanov and Ratchin. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, a member of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors are appealing these sentences, as are Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody during the appeal process.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscore a significant moment in Angola’s political landscape, highlighting the fragile balance of power and the potential for foreign interference in domestic affairs. As Angola navigates its relations with Russia amid rising geopolitical tensions, the implications of this case extend beyond its borders, raising questions about the influence of foreign actors in African politics and the ongoing struggle for democratic governance in the region. The outcome of the appeals could further shape Angola’s political future and its international standing, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming presidential elections.
