Angola has moved against what it says is a continent-wide network plotting regime change, arresting three people accused of terrorism. Those arrested include two Russian nationals and an Angolan journalist working for the state-owned television channel.
The arrests took place just as neighbouring Namibia was in the middle of its own high-profile terrorism case. In Windhoek, 34-year-old Jona Hangula appeared in the High Court for his bail hearing. Hangula, a man with several passports and three wives, is accused of receiving and sending money to terrorist organisations, recruiting Namibians into such groups, and plotting to set up a military base along the Namibia-Angola border to prepare for a violent takeover of Namibia’s government.
The developments in Angola come less than a month after United States General John W. Brennan visited both Angola and Namibia. During his visit, General Brennan met with Namibian Defence Minister Frans Kapofi and warned about the security threats posed by terrorist groups operating around Namibia’s borders.
In Angola, police named the arrested Russians as Igor Racthin (38) and Lev Lakshtanov (64). They are accused of financing and recruiting Angolan citizens to create and spread false information on social media aimed at destabilising the government and encouraging public unrest.
According to Angola’s state newspaper Jornal de Angola, the country’s Criminal Investigation Services allege that the Russians paid local citizens to produce propaganda materials, post misleading content online, and mobilise protests that could turn violent, including looting. Investigators believe the suspects are part of an international criminal organisation operating in several African countries. Authorities say the group specialises in spreading disinformation ahead of elections to weaken public trust and push for government overthrow.
Police say they seized a large quantity of evidence during the arrests, including laptops, memory cards, CDs, mobile phones, SIM cards, and documents showing financial transactions. They also found large sums of cash in US dollars, Angolan kwanzas, and Russian roubles.
Officials added that more arrests are expected, especially targeting people allegedly paid to organise recent protests in Luanda and Benguela. These protests turned violent in recent weeks, leading to riots that left 22 people dead and over 1,200 people arrested.
Angolan authorities also detained Amor Carlos Tomé, a journalist at the state-run TV station TPA, accusing him of financing terrorism. However, no detailed information has been released about his specific role or the charges against him.
The Angolan government’s crackdown is being seen as part of a wider effort to stop organised political destabilisation on the continent. Authorities say the recent events are linked not only to local unrest but also to broader international networks trying to manipulate African politics through fake news, foreign funding, and social media campaigns.
Meanwhile, in Namibia, political tensions are rising. The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) party has issued a warning that it will bring the country to a standstill if its leader, Epafras Mukwiilongo, is arrested on allegations of inciting violence. The party’s statement has added to concerns that both Namibia and Angola could be facing coordinated political unrest.
Security analysts say the latest events highlight the growing use of social media, foreign financing, and cross-border networks in attempts to influence African governments. Both Angola and Namibia now appear to be strengthening their laws and enforcement efforts against terrorism, propaganda, and political violence.
