In a stunning twist, KP Sharma Oli stepped down as the Prime Minister of Nepal on Tuesday daytime. His move follows relentless protests led by the young people of the Gen Z generation. The protests erupted in response to a government ban on social media platforms, rampant corruption, and limited economic opportunities for young people. The country is arguably going through the most intense unrest that it hasn’t seen in a generation. This unrest has resulted in dozens of deaths and serious injuries for protestors and law enforcement alike.
These protests quickly turned to violence on Monday, catching the entire country off guard. Demonstrators confront police at the parliament complex in Kathmandu. According to eyewitness accounts, the police used rubber bullets and tear gas on a crowd of Asian youth protesters. Most of these protesters were in their school or university uniforms. Tempers flared, resulting in a life or death situation. More than 400 people ended up hospitalized from the physical violence they experienced during the clashes.
Government Response and Resignation
KP Sharma Oli’s resignation comes after a series of other officials stepped down in light of the government’s handling of the crisis. His leadership was criticized heavily for the violent enforcement of protesters. Multiple human rights groups have decried his recent actions. Dr. Mohan Regmi, the executive director at Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu, confirmed a horrific death toll. At least 22 other people have died in the violence.
Gagan Thapa, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and a member of the Nepalese parliament expressed his profound sadness over such violence. He was especially saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives. He demanded both short and long-term accountability from the government and demanded Oli step down immediately.
“The cruel sight of innocent youth being killed unnecessarily is rolling before our eyes,” – Gagan Thapa, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress.
Thapa stressed that the Nepali Congress shouldn’t be a mere spectator in this existential crisis. He criticized the government’s actions and demanded a swift resignation from Oli, asserting that “the Nepali Congress must not, and cannot, remain a witness and partner in this situation for even a single day.”
These protests are being driven largely by youth, ages 13-28. Our ability to further delay their message of deep anger at their economic prospects and political under-representation is not in question. In 2024, the unemployment rate for young people (15-24) in Nepal reached an alarming 20.8%. This shocking statistic highlights the difficult employment landscape that millions of young adults are facing. Anger had already been bubbling over years of corruption at all levels of the government when the social media ban led to widespread protests.
The government has curtailed access to 26 social media platforms—including major networks like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. Public outrage So many people interpreted this move as a clear attempt to suppress dissent. This move only stoked resentment among the young people who disproportionately use these platforms and are therefore more likely to organize and mobilize on them.
“Not negative toward the demands raised by the Gen Z generation,” – KP Sharma Oli.
Oli doubled down on seeking external scapegoats for the public unrest. He pointed to “infiltration by various vested interest groups” as a reason for the escalated violence, diverting attention away from his administration’s accountability.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
After Oli’s resignation, President Ramchandra Paudel urged young people to seek a nonviolent solution. He urged them to act as such during this unprecedented time of crisis. He called on demonstrators to dialogue instead of continuing to raise the temperature. The president’s call for bipartisanship is a welcome effort to bring calm and order to a country rattled by turmoil.
Nepal could really use our support in this terrible time. Amnesty International has intervened to chastise the government for its violent suppression of the protesters. They stated that “the use of lethal force against protesters not posing an imminent threat of death or serious injury is a grave violation of international law.” This reaction marks an increasing international concern at human rights abuses being perpetrated amidst the protests.
