Nepal has been plunged into its worst political crisis in decades as Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned following days of violent anti-government protests that left at least 22 people dead and key state institutions in flames.
The unrest, which began as demonstrations against corruption and government censorship, escalated sharply after security forces clashed with protesters on Monday, leaving 19 people dead. On Tuesday, crowds of mostly young demonstrators stormed the Singha Durbar parliament complex in Kathmandu, setting the building on fire. Black smoke billowed over the capital as protesters also targeted the Prime Minister’s residence, the headquarters of the ruling Nepali Congress Party, and several government offices.
The protests were triggered by the government’s controversial decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in an attempt to curb online fraud and misinformation. Although the ban was lifted late Monday, the move ignited nationwide anger and transformed into a broader anti-corruption and anti-nepotism movement.
Frustrated youths, many in their teens and twenties, accused political elites of corruption, nepotism, and failure to create opportunities. The viral “nepo kid” campaign on social media, exposing the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children, further fueled the unrest.
In his resignation letter, Oli said he stepped down “to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution.” His resignation was immediately accepted by President Ramchandra Paudel, who has opened talks to appoint a new Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the security situation continues to deteriorate. On Tuesday alone, three more deaths were recorded, while about 900 inmates escaped from two western prisons amid the chaos. Nepal’s army chief has warned of possible military intervention if the protests persist.
The unfolding crisis highlights deep political instability in Nepal, where anger against entrenched corruption and poor governance has now exploded into full-scale unrest, drawing global attention to the fragile Himalayan nation.
