Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday following deadly anti-corruption protests that left at least 19 people dead, as youth-led demonstrations against government corruption and a social media ban escalated into violent clashes.
The protests were ignited by a viral ‘nepo kids’ trend on social media, which exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and highlighted widespread corruption in Nepal. This online movement quickly translated into real-world anger, with thousands of young Nepalis taking to the streets in defiance of government actions.
The government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, citing concerns over fake news and hate speech, further fueled the unrest. Many citizens viewed the ban as an authoritarian measure to suppress dissent, leading to widespread condemnation from rights groups and escalating the protests across the country.
On Monday, the protests turned violent in Kathmandu, where police used live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against demonstrators. Clashes resulted in at least 19 fatalities and over 400 injuries, with hospitals reporting being overwhelmed by the influx of casualties from the intense confrontations.
In response to the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and several other ministers resigned, acknowledging the government’s mishandling of the situation. Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing the ‘extraordinary situation’ and expressing deep sadness over the deaths, while blaming ‘infiltration by vested interest groups’ for the escalation.
The government lifted the social media ban after an emergency meeting, attempting to address the protesters’ demands. However, protests continued unabated, with curfews imposed in several districts and the international airport in Kathmandu closed due to the ongoing unrest and safety concerns.
International organizations, including the UN and Amnesty International, condemned the use of lethal force and called for an independent investigation. They emphasized that the crackdown violated international law, particularly as many protesters were not posing an immediate threat, and urged transparency in handling the aftermath.
The protests reflect deeper socio-economic issues in Nepal, including high youth unemployment estimated at 20.8% for ages 15-24, and heavy reliance on remittances from abroad, which accounts for over a third of GDP. The economic disparities and perceived corruption have fueled generational frustration, making this one of the worst unrests in decades.
Moving forward, Nepal faces a significant political crisis with the resignation of the prime minister and key ministers. The focus now shifts to forming a new government and addressing the underlying causes of the protests, such as corruption and economic inequality, to restore stability and prevent further violence.