Kathmandu, Nepal – 10 September 2025
A wave of violent protests across Nepal has culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, plunging the country into a political crisis. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a government ban on popular social media platforms, quickly escalated into a broader movement against perceived political corruption and mismanagement, with civil unrest continuing despite the Prime Minister’s departure.
The protests, dubbed the “Gen Z protests” due to their leadership by young people, began after the government issued a directive on September 4 banning 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, for failing to comply with new regulations. This move ignited long-simmering anger among the youth over widespread government corruption and nepotism. The demonstrations turned deadly on September 8 when clashes with security forces resulted in the deaths of at least 19 protesters and more than 300 injuries.
Headlines:
* Social Media Ban Sparks Wider Revolt: While the initial trigger for the protests was a social media ban, the underlying cause was deep-seated frustration with the political elite and alleged corruption.
* Prime Minister Resigns as Unrest Intensifies: Faced with mounting pressure and a rising death toll, Prime Minister Oli resigned on September 9, stating he was stepping down to “facilitate a solution to the problem.”
* Continued Violence and Arson: Even after the Prime Minister’s resignation, the protests continued. Demonstrators defied curfews, setting fire to government buildings, including the parliament and the homes of several politicians.
* Political Vacuum and Uncertainty: With the government in disarray, President Ram Chandra Poudel has accepted the resignation and has begun the process of forming a new government, though the political future remains uncertain.
* A “Sri Lanka” Moment: Analysts have drawn parallels to political collapses in other South Asian countries, warning that Nepal’s fragile democracy could face an existential crisis if a political resolution is not found swiftly.
The situation remains volatile, with the Nepali Army deployed to restore order and the country’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International, closed due to security concerns. The government has since lifted the social media ban, but the move has done little to quell the public’s rage. The protests have exposed a deep-seated disconnect between Nepal’s political class and its young population, which is frustrated by a lack of economic opportunities and is seeking a more accountable and transparent government. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the country can navigate this crisis and avoid further civil unrest.
