Two Russian men, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, have been sentenced to eight and 11 years in jail respectively by an Angolan court for terrorism and spying. The sentences were handed down after the men were found guilty of planning a coup and helping to organize deadly demonstrations in Angola last year, specifically between 28-30 July 2025.
Russia's Growing Presence in Africa
Angola's security forces were accused of firing live ammunition at protesters during the demonstrations, which resulted in 22 people killed and over 1,600 arrested. The government claimed its "progressive" use of force was justified, while Human Rights Watch stated that Angola employed "excessive force" when using rubber bullets and teargas to break up a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025.
Prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin wanted to influence next year's presidential elections in Angola, including by funding the country's largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or by forcing a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The men were also linked to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group.
Background and Context
Angola has historically been close to Russia, with the Soviet Union and Cuba supporting the MPLA during the country's 1975-2002 civil war. However, Angola's president, João Lourenço, has improved relations with the US and Europe since taking power in 2017. In recent years, Russia has increased its presence in Africa, with the Wagner group and then Africa Corps providing security for the Central African Republic's president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, since 2017.
Russia's involvement in Africa also includes the deployment of troops in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, according to a US Congress report. Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina, has also boosted ties with Russia since taking power in a coup in October 2025, with Russians present in his presidential guard and a weekly program about Madagascar-Russia relations launched on national television.
Next Steps and Appeals
Two Angolans were also tried alongside the Russians, with sports journalist Carlos Tomé receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence and Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA's youth wing, being acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed against these sentences, while Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed against their sentences and will remain in detention while the appeal is processed.
Russia's embassy in Angola did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The sentences and appeals will be closely watched, as they may have implications for Russia's relations with Angola and the wider African continent. Readers should watch for further developments in this case, including any potential reactions from the international community.
