Russians accused of disinformation campaign in Angola to stand trial for election interference.
Two Russians, Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov, are scheduled for trial in Angola on multiple charges, including terrorism, espionage, and influence peddling, for their alleged role in inciting anti-government protests and interfering in the upcoming presidential election.
According to the indictment from Angolan prosecutors, the men worked on behalf of Africa Politology, a network tied to the now-defunct Wagner Group, to conduct a disinformation campaign aimed at changing Angola's political direction.
Details of the Allegations
Prosecutors claim the Russians arrived in Luanda in 2024 under the guise of establishing a Russian cultural center, but instead paid local individuals over $24,000 to publish propaganda articles in Angolan media.
Two Angolans, sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé and political activist Francisco Oliveira, are also facing charges for their involvement, with allegations that they helped disseminate disinformation to undermine trust in Western partners and Angola's foreign policy.
The indictment cites specific social media posts, such as a January 2025 Facebook post warning of Angola's potential involvement in the Ukraine war and a December 2024 post criticizing a Western-backed rail project, as evidence of the campaign.
Defense and Context
The Russians' lawyers argue that the charges lack concrete evidence and assert that their clients were only involved in cultural cooperation, not political activities.
Angola, a major oil and diamond producer, has been shifting away from Russian influence, with companies like Alrosa and VTB exiting due to international sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. This trial highlights ongoing tensions in Angola's international relations.
