NEPAL

Nepal Deadly Protest Shakes the Political Landscape

September 11, 2025
Vannesa Lee Orquestra / Apple Majait / Jessa Lombao

Nepal Engulfed in Flames: Social Media Ban, Corruption, and ‘Nepo Kids’ Fuel Deadly Protests

Nepal is in turmoil as Gen Z-led protests have toppled the Himalayan country’s prime minister, following days of escalating violence and unrest. Angered by a bloody crackdown, Nepali protesters defied a police curfew on Tuesday, seizing control of the streets of Kathmandu and setting fire to the Supreme Court, parliament, and other government buildings.

The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms, have evolved into a widespread uprising fueled by deep-rooted resentment against rampant corruption, a lack of economic opportunities, and the perceived dominance of “Nepo Kids” – the privileged offspring of the country’s political elite.

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Officials report that at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the clashes in Kathmandu. Police have deployed live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas in an attempt to quell the demonstrations, according to Reuters. On Tuesday, the capital was shrouded in smoke, as captured in dramatic photos by Reuters. The country’s main international airport was forced to shut down due to the escalating violence.

In a desperate attempt to restore order, the Nepal Army deployed troops into Kathmandu on Tuesday evening “to control the situation for the security of Nepal and Nepalis,” according to the army chief.

The social media ban, intended to stifle dissent, appears to have backfired spectacularly, serving as a catalyst for broader discontent. The protesters, largely composed of young Nepalis, are demanding an end to corruption, greater economic opportunities, and a level playing field, free from the perceived advantages of the “Nepo Kids.”

The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The international community is watching closely as Nepal grapples with this unprecedented crisis, and the future of the country hangs in the balance.

Nepal, a Himalayan nation of 30 million, is once again in the throes of political upheaval as a Gen Z-led uprising has forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The country, known for its turbulent politics and history of more than a dozen governments since transitioning to a republic in 2008, is facing its worst unrest in decades.

Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing “the extraordinary situation” in the country, according to a note posted on social media by a top aide. The resignation comes amidst escalating protests fueled by deep-seated grievances among the younger generation.

Video footage has emerged showing demonstrators ransacking Oli’s private residence on Tuesday. Crowds of protesters were seen breaking into the property, destroying furniture, and setting it ablaze, underscoring the intensity of the public’s anger and frustration.

These latest protests, spearheaded by individuals aged 13 to 28 – the cohort known as Generation Z – represent a significant turning point for Nepal. This generation, coming of age in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a decade-long civil war and the abolition of its 239-year-old monarchy, is demanding change and accountability from its leaders.

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Nepal’s Uprising: Social Media Blackout, “Nepo Kids,” and Economic Despair Fuel Gen Z Revolt

The ongoing crisis in Nepal has deepened, with widespread anger over corruption, economic hardship, and social inequality igniting a Gen Z-led revolt that has already toppled the prime minister. The protests, initially triggered by a government-imposed social media ban, reflect a much deeper generational frustration with decades of poor governance and limited opportunities.

The government’s decision to block social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, sparked immediate outrage and drew condemnation from rights groups. However, organizers say the protests are about far more than just access to social media.

“While the main trigger for the protest was the recent social media ban, the long history of corruption and bad governance is the main reason that thousands of people have come out on the streets to protest,” a 28-year-old protester told CNN, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of government retribution. “It was overwhelming to see such a huge turnout and the energy and anger of the people.”

Economic factors are playing a significant role in fueling the unrest. The unemployment rate for youth aged 15-24 in Nepal was a staggering 20.8% in 2024, according to the World Bank, leaving many young Nepalis feeling hopeless about their future prospects.

Adding to the sense of injustice, a viral online movement against “Nepo Kids” – the children of politicians flaunting their lavish lifestyles – has further fueled public anger by highlighting the stark disparities between the ruling elite and ordinary citizens.

Nepal’s economy is heavily reliant on remittances from Nepalis working abroad, with more than a third (33.1%) of the country’s GDP coming from these personal transfers, according to the World Bank. This dependence on foreign income underscores the lack of domestic economic opportunities and the vulnerability of the Nepali economy.

Political Earthquake in Nepal: Prime Minister’s Resignation Sparks Hope for Dialogue Amidst Unrest

In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Oli of Nepal resigned on Tuesday, triggering a seismic shift in the nation’s political landscape. The resignation follows a cascade of departures from key government officials, alluding to deep fractures within the administration over its handling of the recent protests.

The exodus began with Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation on Monday, a direct response to the escalating violence that has gripped the nation. The following day witnessed the departure of the ministers for agriculture, water, and health, signaling a widespread disillusionment with the government’s approach.

In the immediate aftermath of Oli’s resignation, the Nepali Army made a fervent appeal for calm, urging “all citizens to exercise restraint to prevent further loss of life and property in this critical situation,” emphasizing the fragility of the current state.

President Ramchandra Paudel echoed this sentiment, appealing to demonstrators to “cooperate for a peaceful resolution” and specifically inviting youth protesters to engage in dialogue. Binay Mishra, a public policy analyst based in Nepal, explained to CNN that the President is expected to call on the parliament to form a new government, now that the Prime Minister has stepped down.

Mishra, who also serves as an assistant professor of public policy at Kathmandu University School of Management, noted that the absence of a clear majority party makes an interim government the most probable outcome. Discussions are likely to involve Gen Z organizations, potentially shaping the leadership in the short term.

In a statement released just prior to his resignation, Oli addressed the demands of the Gen Z generation, stating that his government was “not negative toward” their concerns. He expressed deep sorrow over the violent incidents, attributing them to “infiltration by various vested interest groups,” though he did not specify the identities of these groups.

Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising: From Social Media to Social Revolution

What started as a Gen Z-led social media movement against the lavish lifestyles of “Nepo Kids” has spiraled into a political earthquake in Nepal, leading to the ousting of the prime minister and the deadliest social unrest the nation has witnessed in years. The complicated question now is: what happens next?

A Fragile Calm Descends

Plumes of dark smoke lingered above Kathmandu on Wednesday morning, a grim reminder of the chaos that had gripped the city just days before. Soldiers patrolled the eerily quiet streets, enforcing a strict curfew as rumors circulated about a potential meeting between the leaderless Gen Z movement, the army, and the president.

An uneasy calm seemed to have settled after two nights of intense unrest. Tens of thousands of people had flooded the streets, venting their fury by setting fire to parliament and the Supreme Court – potent symbols of the state. Clashes with government forces left a devastating toll: thirty people killed and over 1,000 wounded, according to the health ministry.

The unrest ignited in early September, when a group of young Nepalis, incensed by the sight of politicians’ children flaunting their designer handbags and luxury travel on social media while ordinary citizens struggled to make ends meet, organized a peaceful protest. This movement quickly gained traction, tapping into years of simmering anger over the country’s worsening youth unemployment crisis and a perceived chasm between the elite and the general population.

“The buildup of the frustration was what led to this movement,” Sareesha Shrestha, who participated in the protests, told CNN. She described a government ban last week on more than two dozen social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, as the “last straw” that pushed the situation over the edge. The ban, intended to quell the rising tide of dissent, instead acted as a catalyst, galvanizing the protesters and intensifying their resolve.

As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented upheaval, the path forward remains uncertain. The leaderless nature of the Gen Z movement presents both opportunities and challenges. While it allows for organic and decentralized action, it also raises questions about who will represent the protesters in negotiations with the government and other stakeholders. The rumored meeting between the movement, the army, and the president could be a crucial step towards finding a resolution, but the outcome remains far from clear.

The ousting of the prime minister marks a significant victory for the protesters, but it is only the first step in addressing the deeper issues of inequality, corruption, and lack of opportunity that fueled the unrest. The international community is watching closely as Nepal navigates this critical juncture in its history. Whether the country can successfully channel the energy of its youth into meaningful change remains to be seen.

Nepal’s Uprising: Youth Anger Boils Over Amidst Economic Hardship and Digital Crackdown


A youth-led movement in Nepal, initially sparked by outrage over the lavish lifestyles of the elite, has exploded into widespread unrest, fueled by economic hardship and a government crackdown on social media. The crisis has already led to the ousting of the prime minister and triggered a wave of resignations, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.


Economic Despair Fuels the Flames
Nepal’s youth unemployment rate stood at a staggering 20.8% in 2024, according to the World Bank, forcing many young people to seek opportunities abroad. The country’s reliance on remittances is stark, with more than a third (33.1%) of Nepal’s GDP coming from personal remittances, a figure that has steadily risen over the past three decades. This economic reality has created a deep sense of frustration and hopelessness among the younger generation.


Social Media: A Lifeline Cut Off
The government’s decision to ban over two dozen social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, proved to be a critical misstep. “Social media is the only platform where we can talk and share and follow the global media,” said Pramin, a filmmaker who attended the protests. “Most of our friends, our families, our brothers, are outside the country so that was the medium of communication.” This ban effectively cut off a vital lifeline for young Nepalis, further fueling their anger and sense of isolation.


From Peaceful Protest to Violent Clashes
On Monday morning, thousands of young people, many in school uniforms, gathered at Maitighar Mandala, a monument in Kathmandu near the parliament building. The protests quickly escalated when demonstrators surged towards the parliament, clashing with police. According to Reuters, police responded with live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas. The clashes resulted in the deaths of nearly 19 people and left hundreds wounded, according to Nepali authorities. “We all felt very hopeless and helpless at that point,” said Shrestha, reflecting the despair felt by many protesters.


Resignations and Outrage
The government’s violent response sparked widespread outrage, both within Nepal and internationally. Several government ministers, including the home minister, resigned in the wake of the violence. On Tuesday, the protests swelled as people of all ages defied curfews to protest the government’s bloody crackdown.

Shree Gurung, who joined the protests after seeing reports of young people being killed, said, “(Gen Z) demanded accountability and fair investigation for this corruption, the luxury lifestyle of this, all these corrupted politicians’ kids. But unfortunately, what we saw (was) the government using excessive forces and killing, murdering these youths.”

Nepal now stands at a crossroads, grappling with deep-seated economic issues, a disillusioned youth population, and a government struggling to maintain control. The path forward will require addressing the root causes of the unrest, including corruption, inequality, and lack of opportunity. The international community is closely watching as Nepal attempts to navigate this turbulent period and chart a course towards a more stable and equitable future.

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