Nepal In Turmoil: PM Resigns As Deadly 'Gen Z' Protests Rock Nation
KATHMANDU, Nepal—Nepal has been thrown into a deep political and social crisis following a wave of violent, youth-led protests that forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and left dozens dead. The unrest, initially sparked by a government social media ban, has spiraled into a nationwide movement against deep-seated corruption, unemployment, and political cronyism.
The "Gen Z" protests, as they have been widely dubbed, turned deadly this week as clashes with security forces erupted in the capital, Kathmandu, and other major cities. According to health officials, at least 30 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured, making it one of the most violent civilian uprisings in recent history. The escalating chaos led to the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport and the deployment of the Nepal Army to restore order.
PM Resigns Amid Arson and Public Fury
Facing immense pressure from the streets and a rapidly deteriorating security situation, Prime Minister Oli submitted his resignation on Tuesday. His decision came after protesters set fire to his private residence and the homes of other senior political figures, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the country's president, Ram Chandra Paudel. The parliament building and other government offices were also torched in a powerful display of public anger.
The immediate trigger for the protests was the government's recent ban on two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, for failing to comply with new registration laws. While the ban has since been lifted, activists and political analysts say it was merely the spark that ignited a long-simmering public fury.
Deep-Seated Grievances Fuel the Movement
The core of the "Gen Z" movement is a profound dissatisfaction with Nepal's political elite, who are widely perceived as corrupt and out of touch. A recent social media campaign highlighted the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children, referred to as "nepo kids," in stark contrast to the country's high youth unemployment rate of 20% and an average annual income of just $1,400.
"This is not just about a social media ban; it's a revolution against corruption and the system," said a young protester in Kathmandu, who wished to remain anonymous. "They are selling our country for their own greed."
Search for an Interim Leader
With a power vacuum now in place, discussions are underway to form a transitional government. The protest movement, which has no formal leadership, has coalesced around the idea of a caretaker administration led by a figure with a clean, anti-corruption reputation.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a top candidate, with the Nepal Army reportedly engaging in talks with representatives of the protest movement. Karki, known for her fearless stance against graft, has been formally endorsed by "Gen Z" groups and is seen as a credible figure to lead the country out of the current crisis.
The situation remains fragile, with curfews in effect across major cities and the military patrolling key areas. The coming days will be critical as Nepal's political forces and the new generation of activists attempt to forge a path forward and address the public's deep-seated demand for change.
