KP Sharma Oli, prime minister of Nepal, has stepped down. His decision comes on the heels of a wave of anti-corruption protests that led to 19 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Her resignation marks a watershed moment in the changing political dynamics in Nepal. He had been in office for his fourth term since last July and became the 14th prime minister since the era began with the end of monarchy in 2011. The protests have been the most serious since the 2008 mass demonstrations that ended Nepal’s centuries-old monarchy. They have done much to highlight the entrenched realities of bad governance and endemic corruption that plague the country.
The unrest erupted in response to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace, particularly among the youth who face high unemployment rates. Youth unemployment in Nepal is over 20 percent, according to the World Bank. Consequently, thousands of young people have been forced to emigrate in search of a better life elsewhere. Over 2,000 young Nepalis depart every day in search of opportunities in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. This mass exodus adds fuel to the country’s already raging battle for economic prosperity.
Protests and Violence Escalate
Protestors escalated further on Tuesday, culminating in violent clashes between protestors and police. Protesters take over the Singha Durbar palace, home to Nepal’s government and parliament buildings. They started cooking fires that produced plumes of black smoke filling the Kathmandu skyline. That startling escalation triggered swift condemnation and counteraction from an unusual array of political interests.
KP Sharma Oli addressed his decision to resign in a letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, stating, “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.” His resignation followed fierce pressure. Two other cabinet ministers also resigned on moral grounds, which pulled the rug out from under Johnson’s government.
These protests have been defined by an extraordinary lead of young activists who are calling for accountability and change. Sudan Gurung, a prominent figure among the protesters, declared, “The Nepal government has fallen, the youth have won the protest,” emphasizing the significant impact of the demonstrations on the current political climate.
Government’s Response and Appeals for Calm
President Ram Chandra Poudel previously called on protesters to hold talks and negotiate peacefully. He thinks that frank conversations are the best way to diffuse the increasingly dangerous standoff. He underlined the need to achieve a peaceful resolution to the discord that has recently shaken the nation. Back home, Nepal army chief, Ashok Raj Sigdel called on agitators to cease their activities in the most direct and vehement terms. He noted the immediate priority to stop more loss of life and property.
Even with all this violence though, Kathmandu’s only airport is open, although some international flights were canceled as helicopters could not land with smoke obfuscating the view. The government’s inability to effectively address corruption and provide economic opportunities has fueled discontent among citizens, particularly the youth who demand a brighter future.
The Future of Governance in Nepal
With KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, questions loom over Nepal’s political future. The public’s galvanizing anger is indicative of popular frustration towards maladaptive governance, corruption, and stymied economic potential. As millions of Nepalis continue to seek employment abroad due to scarce opportunities at home, it remains crucial for any new leadership to address these pressing issues.
The resignation of Oli and the following unrest herald a decisive moment for Nepalese politics. Now the nation needs to restore faith in its institutions. It should prioritize addressing the underlying causes of anger that led to the massive protests.
