Two Russians jailed in Angola over terrorism and spying case
An Angolan court has convicted two Russian men of terrorism and spying, sentencing them to eight and 11 years in prison. The case centres on allegations that the pair were involved in a plan to stage a coup and help organise unrest linked to fuel-price protests last year. The men, identified as Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, denied the charges and said they were in Angola for cultural and business activities.
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According to prosecutors, the case was tied to efforts to influence Angola's political landscape ahead of next year's presidential election. They alleged the men sought to affect the vote by funding UNITA, the country's largest opposition party, or by forcing a leadership change within the MPLA, which has governed Angola since independence in 1975. Prosecutors also said the pair were linked to Africa Politology, described as a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group.
The verdict comes after a period of serious unrest in Angola last year. Between 28 and 30 July 2025, a minibus taxi strike over fuel-price hikes escalated into riots and looting, leaving 22 people dead and more than 1,600 arrested, according to official figures. Human rights groups had earlier accused the authorities of using excessive force during protests against rising fuel prices, while the government said its use of force was progressive and justified.
The case has wider significance because it touches on both domestic stability and foreign influence. Angola is heavily dependent on oil exports, and its political system has long been shaped by the MPLA's dominance and by competition from UNITA. The allegations also come at a time when Russia has expanded its presence in parts of Africa, including through networks that have been linked to the Wagner group and its successor structures.
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Angola's ties with Russia have historical roots dating back to the civil war that followed independence from Portugal in 1975. During that conflict, the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA, while the United States and apartheid South Africa supported its opponents, including UNITA. President João Lourenço, who took office in 2017, has since sought closer relations with the United States and Europe, even as Russia has remained an important external actor in the region.
It is not clear whether the two men will appeal against the convictions or how the ruling may affect the wider investigation. The court's reasoning has not been fully detailed in the supplied material, and the extent of any alleged links to political actors remains a matter of the prosecutors' claims. What happens next will be watched closely for any sign of further legal action, diplomatic reaction, or new allegations connected to the case.
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