Two Russians insist they were in Angola for cultural activity. Prosecutors find they tried to steer election and fuel deadly riots

An Angolan court has found two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, guilty of terrorism and espionage. They were sentenced to eight and 11 years in prison after being accused of plotting a coup and helping organize deadly demonstrations in the country last year, The Guardian reported.

Over the past decade, Russia has significantly expanded its presence in Africa. Angola, whose economy depends heavily on oil exports, has historically maintained close ties with Moscow. However, since taking office in 2017, Angolan President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen relations with the United States and Europe.

Prosecutors also alleged that the two men were linked to African Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group, which also played a major role in Russia's war against Ukraine.

According to media investigations, including those by Forbidden Stories, African Politology was taken over by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023. Wagner itself was rebranded as the Africa Corps and absorbed into the Russian military.

Why did the Russians allegedly carry out the operation?

Angolan prosecutors said Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to influence next year's presidential election. According to the prosecution, they intended either to finance Angola's main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or to force a leadership change within the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed the country since independence from Portugal in 1975.

The two Russians denied the allegations, insisting they were in Angola for legitimate cultural and business activities.

What were demonstrations?

Between 28 and 30 July 2025, a strike by minibus taxi operators protesting fuel price increases escalated into widespread riots and looting. According to official figures, 22 people were killed, and more than 1,600 were arrested.

Angolan security forces were accused of firing live ammunition at protesters. Human Rights Watch had previously criticized the government for using "excessive force," including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse a peaceful protest against rising fuel prices on 12 July 2025.

The Angolan government defended the actions of its security forces, arguing that the "progressive use of force" was justified under the circumstances.