Russian nationals Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin have been handed down significant prison sentences by an Angolan court, sparking concerns about Moscow's expanding influence in Africa. The men were found guilty of terrorism and spying charges, which alleged they plotted to disrupt the country's 2025 presidential elections through funding opposition groups or orchestrating regime change.
The case centres around a tumultuous period in July 2025, when riots and looting erupted across Angola following a minibus taxi strike over fuel price increases. The violence resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 1,600 arrests, with Angolan security forces accused of using excessive force against protesters.
Prosecutors claimed that Lakshtanov and Ratchin intended to manipulate the election outcome by supporting UNITA, Angola's largest opposition party, or even forcing a leadership change within the ruling MPLA. The men allegedly had ties to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network linked to the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which has been accused of fuelling instability across the continent.
Africa Politology is understood to have originated from the Wagner mercenary group before being taken over by the SVR following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in 2023. The rebranded Africa Corps remains integral to Russia's military structure, with Angola maintaining close ties with Moscow despite President João Lourenço's efforts to diversify relations since taking office in 2017.
Russia has dramatically expanded its presence across Africa over the past decade, deploying troops and mercenaries in countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Sudan, and Madagascar. The latter country's new president, Michael Randrianirina, a coup leader backed by Russia, now boasts strong ties with Moscow.