US cuts off aid to Mali's government after coup

The Obama administration on Monday cut off American aid to the government of Mali after last week's coup by soldiers, saying military and other assistance would only resume when the African country's democratic government is restored.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said U.S. humanitarian and food assistance will continue for Mali's impoverished citizens. But she said military and other programs have been suspended.

"This is an unacceptable situation where democracy is being undermined in Africa, and it's got to be restored," Nuland told reporters.