Nepal’s Mass Protests Escalate, Prime Minister Resigns
Amid a large-scale protest escalation in Nepal, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday, September 9th, plunging the Himalayan country into a new political uncertainty.
The Nepalese government decided last week to block several social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X platform, which sparked anger among the youth and led to massive protests on Monday, September 8th. The protests spread from the capital city of Kathmandu to other cities in Nepal, organizers referred to it as “Generation Z’s demonstration.” Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in at least 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Despite the government lifting the social media ban on Tuesday and confirming that all platforms were operational again, the protests did not ease. They expanded to widespread criticism of the government and accusations of corruption among the country’s political elite.
As the protests intensified, Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday. The President accepted Oli’s resignation and appointed him to lead the caretaker government until a new government is formed.
In his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, Oli stated, “Given the current unfavorable situation in the country, I have resigned from the position of Prime Minister effective today to facilitate the resolution of issues and help find a political solution in accordance with the constitution.”
Last July, the 73-year-old Oli was sworn in as Prime Minister for his fourth term. Later on Monday, two of his cabinet colleagues resigned, citing moral reasons for not wanting to continue in office.
Oli’s resignation had little effect on quelling the protests. Until later on Tuesday, tens of thousands of protesters remained on the streets, blocking roads, storming government buildings, setting them on fire, and in some places, even attacking political leaders. Military helicopters evacuated some ministers to safety.
Videos shared on social media showed protesters assaulting Sher Bahadur Deuba, the leader of the Nepali Congress party, and his wife, current Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, both appearing to be bleeding. A video showed the Nepali Congress leader being escorted to a safe area. The party is the largest in Nepal and a member of the ruling coalition.
Local media and videos on social media also showed protesters attacking government buildings and the residences of top political leaders on Tuesday. The Prime Minister’s residence, as well as the Prime Minister’s office and several ministry buildings, were set ablaze. Thick smoke billowed from the Prime Minister’s office building.
Earlier on Tuesday, Oli called for a meeting of all political parties, stating that violence is not in the national interest, “We must seek solutions to any issues through peaceful dialogue.”
This is one of the most serious disturbances in Nepal in decades. Since the abolition of the monarchy following protests in 2008, the country has been mired in political turmoil and economic uncertainty.
(This article incorporates information from reports by the Associated Press and Reuters)