Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned in the wake of public outrage over the killing of 21 people in police clashes with anti-corruption protesters.
His office stated that he stepped down to facilitate a constitutional resolution to the massive youth-led protests over widespread allegations of corruption and sparked by a social media ban that has since been rescinded.
The protests escalated violently as thousands, many identifying themselves as Gen Z on placards, took to the streets of Kathmandu on September 8, 2025.
Almost 200 individuals are believed to have been injured as police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition against protesters aiming to breach parliament and other official buildings.
Continuing on September 9, demonstrators set fire to the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and vandalized several political figures' residences.
Protests erupted after the government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, which critics claimed aimed to stifle the anti-corruption movement.
The unrest is fueled not just by recent events but by a more profound dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Gen Z protesters are vocal against corruption, seeking accountability and transparency from lawmakers.
In an unexpected twist, the protests have harnessed social media to mobilize and amplify their demands, standing in stark contrast to government efforts to suppress dissent.
As Nepal navigates this critical juncture, the future remains uncertain. Protesters are calling for both accountability from the government and reforms in governance to address pervasive corruption.
