Nepal’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned under mounting public pressure and escalating violence. President Ram Chandra Paudel swiftly accepted his resignation, marking the end of Oli’s turbulent tenure. The Prime Minister’s decision followed days of unprecedented unrest, with angry demonstrators holding the government responsible for corruption, rising unemployment, and widespread mismanagement. His departure leaves the nation facing deep uncertainty.
Army Assumes Control of Security
In response to the spiraling unrest, the Nepal Army officially assumed control of national security operations at 10 p.m. Tuesday. The army acted in coordination with the police and other security agencies to restore order amid the chaos. In a joint statement, security institutions appealed to citizens for calm and urged dialogue over violence. Their intervention underscores the severity of the security vacuum left by the government’s collapse.
Widespread Destruction Across Kathmandu
The capital city of Kathmandu became the epicenter of violent protests, with demonstrators targeting and setting fire to significant government buildings. Flames engulfed the parliament, the Supreme Court, and even the Prime Minister’s official residence. Additionally, protesters attacked the homes of senior political figures and the offices of major parties, reducing them to ashes. The widespread destruction has shocked the nation, leaving many citizens fearful of what the unrest could mean for Nepal’s fragile democracy.
The Rise of the “Gen Z” Movement
At the heart of the turmoil is a youth-led uprising, popularly referred to as the “Gen Z” movement. What began as outrage over a controversial government ban on 26 social media platforms quickly evolved into broader demands for accountability and reform. Young protesters, frustrated by corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, took to the streets in record numbers. Their determination highlights a generational demand for real change in Nepal’s governance.
Casualties Mount Amid Clashes
The protests have taken a tragic toll, with official reports confirming at least 19 fatalities caused by police action during violent clashes. Hundreds more have sustained injuries, overwhelming hospitals and emergency services across Kathmandu and neighboring regions. Eyewitnesses recount harrowing scenes of confrontations between protesters and security forces, with tear gas and live ammunition reportedly used. The growing number of casualties has intensified public anger, further complicating the government’s efforts to restore stability.
Political Vacuum Deepens
With Prime Minister Oli’s resignation and the collapse of his administration, Nepal faces a widening political vacuum. Although President Paudel has requested Oli’s cabinet to continue in a caretaker role, there is little clarity on the country’s immediate political path. Calls for systemic reform are growing louder, with some voices even advocating for a return to monarchy. Others argue that only a new, transparent political framework can heal public mistrust.
Regional and Global Concern
The escalating crisis has drawn attention beyond Nepal’s borders. India, concerned about potential spillover effects, has tightened security measures along its shared frontier with Nepal. Meanwhile, the United Nations has issued a statement urging all sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. International observers warn that prolonged instability could derail Nepal’s fragile democracy and risk triggering broader regional instability in an already volatile South Asian neighborhood.
Uncertain Path Forward
Nepal stands at a critical crossroads following Oli’s resignation and the surge of violent protests. The Gen Z movement has made clear that young citizens are unwilling to accept a continuation of corrupt politics and ineffective governance. However, with the army now overseeing security and the political system in limbo, the road ahead remains deeply uncertain. Whether Nepal moves toward reform or descends further into chaos will shape its future for decades.
