The Angolan judicial system has delivered a verdict that underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Africa. Two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin have been found guilty of terrorism and espionage, with sentences of eight and eleven years in prison, respectively. Their conviction stems from allegations of orchestrating political unrest and attempting to influence the upcoming presidential elections in Angola.
The case highlights the intricate web of international relations and political influence that has been unfolding in Angola and across the African continent. The defendants maintained their innocence, asserting that their activities were confined to cultural and business endeavors. However, the court’s decision paints a different picture, one that involves disinformation campaigns, protest incitement, and attempts to sway political outcomes.
The Angolan Context and the July 2026 Unrest
In July 2026, Angola experienced a period of significant social unrest. A minibus taxi strike, initially sparked by fuel price hikes, escalated into riots and looting. The official figures reported 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. The Angolan security forces faced criticism for their use of live ammunition against protesters. The government defended its actions, describing them as a progressive use of force necessary to maintain order.
Human Rights Watch had previously condemned Angola’s use of rubber bullets and teargas to disperse a peaceful protest against rising fuel prices on 12 July 2026, labeling it as excessive force. This backdrop of social turmoil and government response provides a critical context for understanding the allegations against Lakshtanov and Ratchin.
The Alleged Political Influence Campaign
Angolan prosecutors presented a detailed indictment, alleging that Lakshtanov and Ratchin were part of a broader political influence operation. They were accused of attempting to sway the upcoming presidential elections by funding the opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and by attempting to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
The prosecutors further claimed that the two Russians were linked to Africa Politology a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group. Africa Politology was taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2026. Wagner, now rebranded as Africa Corps, has been absorbed into Russia’s military structure.
The Broader Implications for Africa
Angola’s historical ties with Russia date back to the Cold War era, when the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA, while the US and apartheid South Africa backed UNITA. However, under the leadership of President João Lourenço, Angola has sought to improve relations with the US and Europe since 2017.
Russia’s presence in Africa has grown significantly in the last decade. The Wagner group, and subsequently Africa Corps, has provided security for the Central African Republic’s president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, since 2017. In 2026, Wagner forces arrived in Mali to support the military junta. Africa Corps also backs the military regimes in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso. Since 2026, Russian troops have been deployed in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, according to a US Congress report.
Madagascar’s president, Michael Randrianirina, has also bolstered ties with Russia since taking power in a coup in. There are Russians in his presidential guard, and a weekly program about Madagascar-Russia relations was launched earlier this month on national television.
The Trial and Its Aftermath
The trial also involved two Angolan nationals. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended prison sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed against these sentences, and Tomé is expected to remain in custody while the appeal is processed.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed against their sentences but will remain in detention while the appeal is processed. Russia’s embassy in Angola did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
