Map of Nepal used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bertrand Gorge]

Nepal is facing its most significant political unrest in decades after protesters stormed and burned the federal parliament building in Kathmandu, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.

The crisis began after the government banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, on September 4 for failing to register locally. The move, coupled with widespread anger over entrenched corruption, ignited a youth-led “Gen Z movement” that has shaken the Himalayan nation.

Deadly Crackdown and Rising Tensions

On Monday, police opened fire on demonstrators outside parliament, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100 others, according to PREMIUM TIMES. The crackdown triggered mass defiance of a government-imposed curfew in key parts of Kathmandu.

By Tuesday, tens of thousands of protesters returned, torching the parliament complex, burning tyres in the streets, and even setting ablaze the homes of ministers, including that of Prime Minister Oli. Riot police responded with teargas and batons, but protesters vowed to continue their campaign.

Prime Minister Steps Down

In a resignation letter cited by Reuters, the 73-year-old Oli said:

“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.”

The resignation, also reported by The Guardian, came hours after widespread protests condemned the killings of demonstrators.

Protesters’ Demands

While the social media ban was the immediate trigger, protesters insist that corruption and lack of accountability in government are the core issues.

“The social media ban was not the only agenda of the Gen Z movement. The corruption that has permeated every level of the country must end,” protester Raksha Bam told reporters.

The ban has hit citizens hard, especially the 7.5 percent of Nepalis living abroad, who rely on social media to stay in touch with their families.

A Nation at a Crossroads

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has imposed an indefinite curfew around the parliament, the presidential palace, and the government secretariat. Despite this, protests have spread to smaller cities, with youths demanding both the restoration of online freedoms and deeper political reforms.

The Nepali army appealed for calm in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Oli’s resignation has been accepted.

Oli, sworn in for a fourth term in July 2024, was the country’s 14th head of government since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.