The United States on Thursday strongly condemned a violent coup by renegade Malian soldiers and demanded the return of civilian rule to the west African gold and cotton-producing nation, according to Reuters.

"We call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule in Mali, including full civilian authority over the armed forces and respect for the country's democratic institutions and traditions," the White House said in a statement.

France, the African Union and European Union have also condemned the apparent overthrow of Mali's President Amadou Toumani Toure, and are demanding the return of constitutional rule in the African nation, VOA said.

A group of soldiers declared a coup d'etat on Malian television Thursday, March 22 after taking over state broadcasting services and the presidential palace.

The soldiers say they acted because of the president's incompetence in fighting a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs in Mali's north.