Military leaders who overthrew Mali's president postponed plans to hold a national convention Thursday aimed at addressing political woes and determining the direction of the country.

The reason for the postponement was unclear. Military leaders planned to invite political parties and civilian representatives to the convention, said Capt. Amadou Sanogo, the junta leader.

The delay comes amid a widening crisis after renegade soldiers in the capital of Bamako overthrew the nation's democratically elected leader late last month, plunging the country into chaos.

The international community, including West African states, the African Union and the United States condemned the military coup  and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule.