Nepal prime minister resigns after deadly protests over social media ban and corruption
Youth-led demonstrations turn violent, leaving at least 22 dead and hundreds injured across the country
KATHMANDU, Nepal (MNTV) — Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following days of nationwide protests led by young people against corruption, poor economic opportunities, and the government’s decision to block major social media platforms.
The unrest has been described as Nepal’s worst in decades, with at least 22 people killed and more than 400 injured in clashes with security forces.
The demonstrations, driven largely by protesters aged 13 to 28, erupted last week after the government suspended platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X.
Officials said the ban aimed to curb fake news and hate speech, but rights groups condemned the move as a violation of freedom of expression. By Thursday, 26 platforms had gone offline, sparking widespread anger.
Public frustration over rampant corruption and limited job prospects added fuel to the protests. Nepal’s youth unemployment rate stood at 20.8% in 2024, according to World Bank data.
At the same time, the rise of an online campaign criticizing “Nepo Kids” — the privileged children of politicians flaunting their wealth — further inflamed discontent among ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet.
On Monday, protests escalated into violence in Kathmandu when thousands of young demonstrators clashed with police outside the parliament complex.
Security forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas, while protesters torched vehicles, including an ambulance and a police car, and burned furniture outside the headquarters of the ruling Nepali Congress party.
Similar clashes were reported in other cities, including Itahari in the east and Chandrapur south of the capital.
Hospital officials said 17 people were killed in Kathmandu alone, with additional deaths reported in other regions. More than 400 people, including protesters and security personnel, were treated for injuries.
The United Nations human rights office said it was “shocked” by the deaths and urged an independent investigation, while Amnesty International warned that the use of lethal force against demonstrators violated international law.
Oli’s resignation came after several ministers stepped down over the government’s handling of the crisis, including the home, agriculture, water, and health ministers.
In his resignation letter, Oli cited the “extraordinary situation” and expressed sorrow over the violence, but blamed the unrest on “infiltration by vested interest groups.”
Nepal’s army called for restraint and urged all sides to pursue dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
Analysts say an interim government is likely, as no party holds a clear majority in parliament. Some Gen Z organizations may also play a role in shaping the next leadership.
Lawmakers from the opposition Nepali Congress party called Oli’s departure overdue, with General Secretary Gagan Thapa saying the killing of innocent youth was “cruel and unnecessary” and demanded full accountability from the outgoing government.
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