PoliticsJuly 17, 2026
junta
/ˈhʊntə/ or /ˈdʒʌntə/
Definition
A military or political group that takes control of a country's government by force, typically after seizing power in a coup.
Etymology
Derived from the Spanish word for 'a council' or 'committee,' which traces back to the Latin 'iunctus,' meaning 'joined.' It entered English in the 17th century specifically to describe secretive political cliques or factions.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the transition away from authoritarian military rule toward more democratic electoral systems in Africa. It highlights how many nations have moved beyond these types of regimes to adopt regular, albeit expensive, elections.
How Africa’s power politics became a high stakes affair
Read the full article ↗The EastAfrican