Nepal has been thrown into conflict after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, following days of violent anti-corruption protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, with more than 100 injured. His departure marks one of the gravest political crises in the Himalayan nation since its monarchy came to an end in 2008.
The tensions began last week following the government’s banning of 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, citing fake news and online fraud concerns. Although the ban was lifted within days, the demonstrations had already grown into a nationwide movement, fuelled by frustration over unemployment, poor governance, and allegations of corruption among political elites.
Much of the anger has been directed at “nepo kids,” a social media term used to describe the children of politicians who enjoy luxury lifestyles while many young people struggle to find work. Nepal’s youth unemployment rate rose to an average of 20 percent last year, according to the World Bank, with thousands leaving the country to seek employment abroad.
Protesters defied curfews and clashed with police in the capital, Kathmandu. Crowds set fire to parliament and several government buildings, while homes of senior political leaders were also attacked. Witnesses reported that helicopters were used to evacuate ministers from besieged residences. Local media showed footage of parliament’s windows smashed and walls covered with graffiti.
Oli, 73, said he resigned “to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.” President Ramchandra Paudel accepted the resignation and has begun consultations to appoint a new leader. However, with several ministers in hiding under military protection, questions remain over who will assume control.
The protests have spread to multiple cities beyond Kathmandu. In Mahendranagar and Pokhara, demonstrators torched party offices and blocked major roads. Prison authorities reported that 900 inmates escaped from two jails in the western districts amid the chaos.
International concern has mounted. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, called for dialogue to prevent further loss of life, while Reporters Without Borders urged demonstrators not to target journalists after the offices of a major publishing house were attacked.
For now, tens of thousands remain on the streets, many voicing frustration at years of weak governance. The direction Nepal’s politics will take remains uncertain as both protesters and authorities weigh the next steps in a nation struggling with deep social and economic challenges.
