Nepal’s political landscape was rocked on Tuesday 9th september 2025, as veteran Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down, a day after one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent years left at least 19 people dead. His resignation followed intense pressure from youth-led protests demanding accountability, the lifting of a controversial social media ban, and action against corruption.
Deadly Crackdown and Rising Anger
The protests, which began Monday 8th september 2025, quickly spiraled into widespread unrest despite the government reversing its ban on Facebook, YouTube, and X. Demonstrators, largely made up of Gen Z Nepalis, defied curfews and clashed with security forces in Kathmandu and other cities.
According to police spokesman Shekhar Khanal, groups of protesters ignored restrictions, torching government buildings and even attacking the prime minister’s residence. Local media reported fires and vandalism at properties belonging to senior politicians.
Amnesty International condemned the excessive use of force, reporting that security forces had fired live ammunition at demonstrators. The United Nations has called for a swift and transparent investigation into the killings.
Government in Crisis
Oli’s resignation marks the collapse of his fourth term as prime minister, just a year after his Communist Party formed a coalition government with the Nepali Congress. His departure comes on the heels of three ministerial resignations as the government scrambled to contain the crisis.
Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung admitted that although the ban on social media was lifted, one of the youth protesters’ key demands anger over corruption, unemployment, and inequality had already reached a boiling point.
Youth Frustration at the Core
Nepal’s demographics highlight the scale of discontent: nearly 43 percent of the population is between 15 and 40 years old. Yet, with unemployment around 10 percent and GDP per capita at just 1,447 dollars, many young Nepalis feel left behind by a political class seen as out of touch.
The protests have also been fueled by viral TikTok videos contrasting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children with the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. For many, the government’s decision to restrict digital platforms was the final straw.
More Than Social Media
Commentators argue that the demonstrations reflect deeper frustrations that go far beyond the temporary loss of online platforms.Some noted that that was not all about social media it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent.
Gen Z, raised on smartphones and global connectivity, views digital freedom as inseparable from personal freedom. For them, censorship feels like silencing their entire generation.
Conclusion
The prime minister’s resignation has opened a new chapter in Nepal’s fragile democracy. The challenge now lies in whether political leaders can bridge the widening gap between citizens and the state. Without meaningful reforms, analysts warn that youth anger could erupt again, leaving the country at risk of further instability. For now, Nepal stands at a crossroads between political renewal or deeper unrest.
