UN condemns Mali mutiny and urges end to crisis

The United Nations condemned on Wednesday the junta that forced Mali’s president from power, calling "for an immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law" in the country.

African and Western leaders warned the coup was a deep setback for the West African nation that could threaten the battle against Islamic extremism.

Soldiers calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People promised that they would ultimately hand power to a transitional civilian government, but gave no timeline.

Junta members urged Malians to return to business as usual.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement read on his behalf called "for a negotiated solution and peaceful resolution" to the crisis.