Highlights
- Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned after violent anti-corruption protests.
- At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in clashes.
- Protesters defied curfew, ransacked government offices, and set fire to homes.
- Kathmandu airport shut down as unrest spread nationwide.
- Protests led by young Nepalis, triggered by a controversial social media ban.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli Resigns
Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after massive anti-corruption protests rocked the country. The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Z youths, continued even under an indefinite curfew.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli, in his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, said:
“In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.”
An aide confirmed that the President accepted his resignation and began discussions to appoint a new leader.
Violence and Loss of Lives
The crisis escalated on Monday when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop protesters from storming parliament. At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured.
Despite lifting the social media ban—which triggered the unrest—the protests intensified on Tuesday. Protesters entered parliament, shouting victory slogans, painting walls with “We won,” and making victory signs.
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Government Buildings and Homes Set on Fire
The protests turned violent in Kathmandu. Witnesses said that:
- The Singha Durbar office complex, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and ministries, was set on fire.
- Protesters ransacked Oli’s private residence, smashing furniture and later torching the property.
- Security forces, outnumbered, stood nearby but could not control the mob.
- Some politicians’ homes were also attacked, and military helicopters rescued ministers from danger zones.
Unverified videos also showed protesters attacking former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana.
Kathmandu Airport Closed
Nepal’s main international airport in Kathmandu was shut down after smoke from nearby fires threatened aircraft safety. The closure cut off the Himalayan country from international travel during the peak of the unrest.
Youth-Led Protests Against Corruption
The protests have been described as “demonstrations by Gen Z”, reflecting young people’s frustration with corruption and lack of opportunities.
A protester wrote in an email to Reuters:
“The protest was intended, first and foremost, against the rampant corruption in government.”
Young Nepalis had been sharing posts online about the luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ families, which angered the public. The government responded with a social media ban last week, citing misuse of platforms, but critics said it was a move to silence free speech.
Nepal in Political Uncertainty
Oli, aged 73, had been sworn in for his fourth term as Prime Minister in July 2024, making him Nepal’s 14th prime minister since 2008. Two of his ministers resigned a day earlier, saying they could not continue on moral grounds.
Now, with his resignation and widespread unrest, Nepal faces fresh political turmoil. The protests remain strong, with crowds still on the streets demanding an end to corruption.
Source: Reuters
