Anti-France demonstrations have intensified in Niger after pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military coup last Wednesday by members of the presidential guard.

The coup leaders have announced the formation of a military government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.

The political turmoil has fomented protests against the West African nation's former colonial ruler France in the capital Niamey. Demonstrators threw rocks at the French embassy, damaging it.

There is deep-rooted antipathy against France in Niger and other West African nations that were once French colonies.

France has retained influence over the former colonies' politics and economies.

Citizens in those countries have grown frustrated over military interventions by France and others against Islamic extremists, which they feel have made little progress.

Niger's neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso have both experienced coups in recent years. Their military rulers have been building closer ties with Russia.

Western nations are concerned that Niger's new military leadership may move closer to Moscow as well.

Leaders of West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS strongly condemned the Niger coup at an emergency meeting on Sunday.

They called for the "immediate release and reinstatement" of Bazoum in a communique released after the meeting. They also warned they will "take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order," including "the use of force," unless the ousted president is reinstated within a week.

Niger's military leaders backing the coup have expressed determination to defend their homeland.

The French presidential office on Sunday said President Emmanuel Macron has made it clear that anyone attacking French nationals, the army, diplomats or French facilities will see France retaliate immediately and uncompromisingly.

It added that Macron will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests.