Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down Tuesday afternoon following two days of intense anti-corruption demonstrations that left at least 25 dead and dozens injured. The protests, led largely by Gen Z activists, had demanded Oli’s resignation.
While the prime minister has resigned, Nepal’s government has not formally fallen. The President, Ram Chandra Poudel, remains the head of the state, though sources told NDTV it may be only a matter of time before he too steps down.
The unrest began after the government blocked popular social media platforms including X and YouTube, prompting nationwide outrage among younger citizens.
Although the ban was lifted, protests escalated into a broader anti-corruption movement. Demonstrators accused the administration of nepotism and favouring children of influential officials.
Hours after Oli announced his resignation, visuals from Kathmandu showed the Parliament building ablaze, while protesters set fire to parts of the private residences of both the Prime Minister and President.
Streets were littered with burning vehicles, and thick black smoke blanketed the capital. Protesters, who have dubbed their movement the “Gen Z protest,” clashed with police in multiple areas.
The city’s Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed to domestic and international flights as security forces struggled to contain the unrest. The army was deployed, and officials who remained in government were reportedly evacuated from sensitive locations.
Marchers carried banners reading “Stop corruption, not social media” and “Youth against corruption,” while social media platforms were flooded with videos tagged #NepoKid, #NepoBabies, and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, highlighting public anger over alleged nepotism and corruption.
Nepal army evacuates ministers
As protests escalated nationwide, the Nepali Army began evacuating ministers from their residences in Bhaisepati using helicopters. The move comes after a series of arson and vandalism incidents targeted at ministers’ and senior officials’ homes, reports The Kathmandu Post.
Protesters also set fire to the minister’s residence in Bhaisepati.
Senior security officials stated that the army has also been deployed to safeguard the parliament building. High-ranking officials are being provided security at military barracks.
