Two Russians are due to go on trial in Angola accused of stirring up anti-government protests, conducting a campaign of disinformation, and attempting to interfere in next year's presidential election.
Arrested last August, political consultant Igor Ratchin and translator Lev Lakshtanov face 11 charges, including terrorism, espionage, and influence peddling. The BBC has obtained a copy of the indictment that includes charges relating to an alleged operation aimed at changing the political course of Angola.
The defendants' lawyers claim the indictment lacks concrete and objective facts. According to the prosecution, the Russians acted on behalf of Africa Politology, a network of operatives and intelligence officers linked to the Wagner Group.
Political operatives linked to Wagner have been active across Africa for over a decade, particularly in regions like the Central African Republic, Mali, and Madagascar. Their defense maintains they were not affiliated with the Russian state and were in Angola to foster cultural ties.
Angola, a major oil and diamond producer, has seen its strategic importance grow, drawing renewed interest from Moscow as historical ties wane under the current leadership. Russian agencies have reportedly struggled to maintain influence in light of Angola's pivot towards Western partnerships.
With the backdrop of intense protests last July, resulting in numerous fatalities and arrests, the Russian defendants are accused of orchestrating unrest. Authorities claim they were involved in an extensive disinformation campaign bleeding into local media.
The prosecution argues that the Russians engaged senior political figures, offering substantial campaign support for the upcoming elections. Still, the defense highlights significant inconsistencies in the prosecution's narrative, questioning the existence of any coercive influence from their clients.
The case underscores the growing concern over foreign involvement in domestic politics as Angola approaches its presidential elections.
