By Staff Reporter
There cannot be anything innocent about the two Russian men recently arrested in Angola and their activities in that country, says New Nation Party Vice-President for Politics Rueben Sambo, urging vigilance by Zambian authorities against foreign influence.
In August 2025, Angolan authorities in Luanda arrested Russians Lev Lakshtanov, 64, and Igor Racthin, 38, on accusations of terrorist financing, falsifying documents, and criminal association. Investigators said the two men were part of a wider network attempting to destabilise Angola’s democracy ahead of local elections.
According to information released by the Angolan officials, the pair entered the country on tourist visas but later posed as journalists, seeking meetings with political figures and conducting paid “opinion polls” on Russia’s image in Angola. Authorities contend that the information gathered was meant to fuel propaganda and sow mistrust among Angolans.
“They were not tourists, and they were not journalists. Their activities were political, designed to undermine public confidence in institutions,” one security source told local media about the two men reportedly linked to Africa Politology, a Russian network connected to the African Initiative, a Kremlin-backed media agency, and to the Africa Corps, considered a successor to the now-defunct Wagner Group.
A Regional Pattern
The arrests in Luanda have once again highlighted a growing pattern across the continent of discreet foreign operatives moving through African countries under the cover of journalism, cultural exchange, research, or political consultancy. Analysts say their real mission is often to shape political outcomes, gather intelligence, and steer local narratives in favour of foreign interests.
Several countries have raised similar alarms in recent years. From Madagascar to Sudan and CAR, Russia has been accused of using influence operations, disinformation networks, and covert political financing to build alliances and secure strategic positions. In many cases, the operations do not begin with weapons or mercenaries, but with “media consultants,” researchers, or cultural envoys.
For Angola, the concern grew sharper ahead of local elections, where the ruling party and security agencies feared targeted attempts to influence public opinion or provoke unrest.
Local Voices Raise the Alarm
Gregory Chifire, a human rights defender and anti-corruption activist, said last week that the activities of the two Russians in Luanda show just how sophisticated foreign interference has become.
“The arrests should serve as a sobering reminder to all African nations of the evolving nature of foreign interference,” he said.
“It is no longer overt, as it was in the past. It now targets media, institutions and democratic processes quietly but effectively.”
Chifire said that African countries must strengthen the oversight of foreign-funded activities, especially those involving media, research, and political communication.
“This is not a question of aligning with East or West,” he said.
“It is about protecting our own sovereignty.”
Civil society activist and musician Maiko Zulu echoed similar concerns, arguing that African countries remain vulnerable because of their economic dependence and leadership gaps.
“Africa is still a battleground for foreign powers,” he said.
“If you look at our economies, many of them are still controlled by outside interests. That’s why foreign influence enters so easily.”
Sambo: “Angola Has Done What Others Fear to Do”
For Sambo, the developments in Angola carry deeper meaning for Zambia and the region.
He says Angola’s decision to arrest and publicly expose the two Russians should be commended — and studied — because it lays bare tactics that many African governments have been slow to confront.
“I agree with what Angola has done to interrogate these Russians and to share the raw information as they have done,” Sambo said.
“The continent is experiencing an insurgency of what is being referred to as the Gen Z phenomenon. It is clear that this is sponsored, guided and executed by an invisible hand.”
He warned that Zambia is especially vulnerable.
“For Zambia in particular, there is a proliferation of persons roaming freely and criss-crossing the nation without proper identification,” he said.
“Our laws are very relaxed when it comes to vigilance against foreign interests. So this information from Angola is a wake-up call.”
Sambo said it would be naïve to assume the two Russians in Angola were acting independently.
“Clearly, there cannot be anything innocent about these two Russian men and their activities,” he said.
“They have a definite agenda they are trying to execute.”
He believes Angola should brace itself for attempts to trigger the same Gen Z–driven unrest seen in Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi and Botswana.
“It will not be long before Angola starts to experience youth uprisings similar to what we have seen in those countries,” Sambo said.
“Even where change has come through the ballot, the Gen Z phenomenon is clear to observe.”
According to him, foreign actors have changed their approach.
“The neo-colonialists appear to have changed tact. It’s no longer natural resources first — it is politics and power,” he said.
“There is an agenda to change regimes using unsuspecting young people who have very little to lose.”
Sambo says Angola’s action should not stand alone.
“Angola must be commended, and the rest of the continent should be placed on high alert,” he said.