Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned following a wave of deadly protests that saw 19 people killed. The unrest was initially sparked by a government decision to ban popular social media platforms, a move that ignited widespread public fury and brought thousands, primarily young people, onto the streets in protest. The government’s violent response to the demonstrations only intensified the public’s anger.
The protests, however, were fueled by more than just the social media ban. They served as a tipping point for long-simmering discontent over systemic corruption and nepotism within the country’s political class. For weeks leading up to the ban, a viral campaign on platforms like TikTok had exposed the opulent lifestyles of politicians’ children, creating a stark contrast with the country’s average per capita income of just $1,400. This highlighted the deep economic disparities and perceived injustices that many Nepalis face daily.
Led predominantly by teenagers and young adults, the demonstrations quickly evolved from a specific grievance into a broader movement demanding systemic change. Protesters, angered by the deaths of their peers and years of government inaction on corruption and a staggering 20% youth unemployment rate, began targeting politicians directly, even setting fire to the homes of some top leaders.
Although Prime Minister Oli has stepped down and reversed the short-lived social media ban, it remains uncertain if these concessions will be enough to quell the unrest. Many protesters are now calling for the complete dissolution of the government, indicating a deep-seated desire for a fundamental overhaul of Nepal’s political system. The nation remains on edge, facing its worst political instability in over a decade.